I'm the Mom, I have to be happy. I can't let anyone know that I struggle at times.

I’m the Mom, I can’t be afraid. I need to smile and pretend that life is just fine.

I’m the Mom, I have to get it all done. There’s so much to do and never enough time.

I’m the Mom, I have to enjoy this. I’m told all the time how much I’ll miss this.

I’m the Mom, I’m so very tired. Tired when I wake, tired when I try to fall asleep.

I’m the Mom, I have to be strong. I can’t let anyone know that at times I feel like I might break.

I’m the Mom, everyone needs me. I have to be available at all times to everyone.

I’m the Mom, the weight I feel is so heavy. At times it’s so much that I feel it in my bones.

I’m the Mom, can anyone hear me? I speak but it seems that my words are silent.

I’m the Mom, I love them so much it hurts. Am I screwing them up?

I’m the Mom, why am I so lonely? These feelings I feel are exhausting at times.

I think it’s safe to say that most moms have felt this way. This week hit me hard. I’ve struggled a bit. Kate Spade's suicide got me thinking about mental illness and the stigma that is associated with talking about the struggles of motherhood — the raw, real side that people don’t want to talk about.

We need to talk about what life is really like. Life without filters. I am not ashamed to be a hot mess of a mom. I am not ashamed to share my daily fears and struggles. I want you to share as well. You are not alone. Talk about your fears. Talk about the hard parts of motherhood. Talk about all of it. Reach out to your friends and family and let them know how you are feeling. Reach out to other women here on this page. We’ve got you!

Related video from Meredith of That's Inappropriate: