Cameron Rogers, a prominent podcaster and digital content creator, has openly shared her journey with mental health and motherhood in a recent interview. At the age of 34, she emphasises the importance of self-care and the significant role that medication has played in her ability to navigate parenting and personal challenges. Advocating for mental health awareness, she aims to inspire others to seek help and embrace their own struggles.
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Rogers began her journey of self-discovery after a life-altering accident in 2018 when she was struck by a car. The collision resulted in a concussion that exacerbated her anxiety and led her to reassess her high-stress corporate job. Following the advice of her neurologist and with support from her mother, she began exploring medication options. This decision marked a turning point in her mental health management, as she started taking amitriptyline, a medication frequently prescribed for post-concussion symptoms.
After a positive experience on the antidepressant for more than a year, Rogers faced another pivotal moment when she decided she wanted to start a family. Her obstetrician advised her to discontinue her medication due to potential risks associated with pregnancy. Upon doing so, she encountered intense emotional fluctuations that prompted a return to her doctor for guidance on an alternative treatment. Subsequently, she began taking sertraline, also known as Zoloft, which she has relied on through the births of her first two children and into her third pregnancy.
Rogers is keenly aware of the stigma surrounding mental health and medication, particularly for new mothers. She argues that many people fear being perceived as ‘broken’ or seeking extra support. She draws a parallel between mental health issues and physical injuries, insisting that just as one would use crutches for a broken leg, it’s essential to address mental health with equal seriousness. “Mental health is an invisible ailment,” she points out. “It doesn’t mean that you’re weak; it means you need different support and that is perfectly acceptable.”
The societal expectations placed upon mothers can add further pressure, with a common belief that they should be able to juggle all responsibilities without complaint. Rogers challenges this notion, stating, “You’re supposed to be able to do it all, and you shouldn’t complain because you chose this.” She believes it’s essential for mothers to maintain their identities outside of parenthood and to acknowledge the difficulties they face.
Rogers gained significant attention for her candid discussions regarding the physical and mental changes that accompany pregnancy. Her viral series, “What the f— is happening to my body,” highlighted the often-overlooked aspects of pregnant life and underscored her desire to bring these conversations into the mainstream. Through sharing her own experiences, she aims to validate the feelings of other mothers who may feel isolated in their struggles.
Her openness has fostered a supportive online community, where she receives messages from individuals thanking her for voicing similar experiences. “I’ve realised I’m not alone,” Rogers said, expressing gratitude for the connections she has built through shared vulnerability. Her podcast, “Conversations with Cam,” further extends her mission of fostering understanding and support around mental health issues.
For those new to their mental health journeys, Rogers offers practical advice on finding trustworthy healthcare and therapy providers. She recognises the overwhelming nature of motherhood and stresses the importance of establishing a supportive network during critical times, such as pregnancy and postpartum recovery. She reassures others that seeking help does not have to be a solitary struggle.
Despite acknowledging the challenges that accompany motherhood, Rogers encourages women to recognise the need for self-care. “We’ve created this belief of martyrdom in motherhood, where it has to be the hardest thing in the world,” she states. She insists that seeking assistance—including medication—can greatly enhance one’s mental health and overall parenting experience. According to Rogers, nurturing one’s mental well-being ultimately benefits both mothers and their children.
Rogers personally prioritises her mental health by carving out quiet time before her children wake up, which helps her approach the day with a positive mindset. She notes that when she begins her day with peace, she can engage more joyfully with her little ones rather than snapping at them from a place of overwhelm.
Through her commitment to destigmatising mental health discussions and her advocacy for open conversations, Rogers has positioned herself as a trusted voice in the realm of maternal mental health. She hopes that by sharing her experiences and those of others, she can empower more people to seek help and understand that they are not alone in their struggles. “If my experiences can encourage someone to take charge of their mental health, that’s the greatest achievement I could have,” she concludes.