Overcoming Depression as a Stay at Home Mom Without a Babysitter: My Journey with Plants.

Being a stay at home mom is a blessing, but it can also feel isolating and overwhelming. I want you to know you are NOT alone and I am here as your fellow online friend. After having my daughter, I found myself struggling with depression, feeling like I had lost my sense of purpose outside of motherhood. I didn't have any friends to talk to and not enough positive family support to help me watch her. My daughter was constantly crying and I felt guilty that I was not able to be in the best mental state for her.  I was isolating myself and my daughter was being isolated because of my emotional state. I felt extremely lonely and trapped. I loved my baby deeply, but I also felt like I had lost a part of myself in the constant cycle of caregiving. That was until I discovered the power of plants.

Finding purpose through nature and caring for plants became my therapy. In the beginning, I was afraid because I didn't think I had a "green thumb" and I didn't want them to die. I did some research and I found a couple of beginner plants that were hard to kill like the pothos and dumbcane plants. As I watched them grow, I felt a new kind of fulfillment. Watering them, checking their leaves, and ensuring they had enough sunlight gave me a daily routine that was both calming and rewarding. It made me feel needed in a way that extended beyond motherhood. I had something to nurture that, in turn, was also nurturing me. 

The Science Behind My New Plant Addiction 

There is real science behind why plants help with mental health. Studies have shown that being around plants actually reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and increases feelings of happiness. Plants release oxygen and help purify the air, creating a fresher, healthier environment. The thought of a natural environment made me want to buy more so my daughter benefited from a healthy home. I thought about the effects these plants had on me and how happier my daughter probably was to enjoy life with her not-so-depressed mother. The act of gardening or even tending to houseplants can be meditative, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of well-being.

Growing My Own Fruits and Vegetables

As I became more invested in plants, I started thinking about growing my food. Since I breastfed my daughter, she inspired me to live more organically—I wanted her to eat fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables without harmful chemicals. This led me to start my own small garden and eventually an aquaponic system. I have documented this all on my YouTube Channel-MinaEarth, which allowed me to grow herbs and vegetables sustainably. Every time I picked fresh produce from my garden, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and connection to nature.

Organic Skincare

A new passion in my journey into organic living didn’t stop at food. I became passionate about creating organic skincare products for my daughter and myself. I wanted to ensure that what touched her delicate skin was safe and free from harmful toxins. This passion grew into something even bigger—a business where I could share my handmade, natural products with others who also wanted to embrace a healthier lifestyle. 

A Newfound Purpose

Healing plants helped me finally find my life purpose which I never thought I would find. My new mom life consisted of staying home all day and I was extremely bored and felt like my personal life was wasting away. The plants provided a reason to get up in the morning, something to look forward to, and a way to practice self-care. Taking care of them mirrored the care I was giving my daughter, reinforcing that nurturing—whether for a plant, a child, or myself—is an essential part of life. The process of watching something grow, whether it was a small seedling or my strength, became a powerful reminder that healing takes time but is always possible. It wasn’t just the plants that transformed my life.  I took my daughter to the fish store and I decided I wanted to get her a beta fish. The introduction of aquatic fish into our home added a new layer of vibrancy. I began breeding mosaic guppies and snails, and their playful movements brought a sense of tranquility to my environment. I learned to appreciate the delicate balance of life in an aquarium and how it mirrored the ecosystems I was nurturing in my garden.

If you’re a stay-at-home mom struggling with depression, I encourage you to bring plants into your life. Start small with a houseplant, a herb garden, or even a single potted flower. Watch how it transforms not only your space but also your heart.
Nature has an incredible way of healing, and for me, it became the key to rediscovering joy, purpose, and a healthier way of living.

Are you a mom who has found peace through plants? I’d love to hear your story! Leave a comment below and let's start a community. 

If you’re looking to start your own plant journey or embrace natural self-care, be sure to check out my shop, where I offer aquatic plants, organic herbs, exotic guppies, and natural skincare products.

Visit my store minaearth.com to explore a variety of houseplants or click here to start your indoor garden today!