Screaming on the Inside: The Unsustainability of American Motherhood

New York Times opinion writer Grose, one of the estimated 7–20% of women who have experienced perinatal anxiety and depression, reached a point of desperation during week 10 of her pregnancy. In this book, she reflects on that experience and busts parenting myths like the notion that good mothers should be self-sacrificing, or that mothers must do everything. The author examines the emotional tumult felt by struggling parents and explores online culture, an atmosphere where Black voices are often ignored; the blogosphere has a limited view on parenting; and platforms, such as Instagram, have increased perfectionist expectations. The pandemic created new struggles as layoffs disproportionately affected women, especially single BIPOC mothers. Many people entered crisis mode, and hardship chain reactions occurred due to financial difficulties and the increase in second-shift work.