Why Moms Shouldn’t Ignore Their Mental Health: Signs You Might Need Some Support
As a mom, it’s normal to have days or even weeks that seem abnormally busy, hectic, and stressful. Your kids may require more attention and help in preparation for sports tournaments, dance recitals, end-of-year testing, and other high-pressure events.
Ideally, you should be able to meet the demands of temporarily stressful times and get a chance to rest and recuperate once it’s all over. But what should you do if you can’t handle the everyday responsibilities on your plate? What if you constantly feel overwhelmed and mentally or physically exhausted by the daily duties of motherhood?
The most important thing to realize is that struggling to care for your family doesn’t make you a bad mom. Often, it just means you’re not getting the mental health support you need to continue functioning optimally.
If you keep pushing yourself too hard when you’re experiencing burnout, you could deal with lasting repercussions to your physical and mental health. Here are a few reasons moms shouldn’t ignore their mental health and how to recognize signs that you need additional support.
Why Moms Often Struggle With Mental Health
When it comes to maintaining good mental health, moms have a lot working against them. Chronic sleep deprivation can come from waking with newborns, soothing nightmares, or comforting sick kids through the night. When you’re suffering from chronic sleep deprivation, even the smallest challenges can seem insurmountable.
On top of all that, society tends to place unrealistic expectations on moms. They’re expected to nurture and care for their children, be unpaid chauffeurs for their families, keep the house spotless, and be attentive partners. Many also maintain careers while trying to juggle a mountain of responsibilities. Add hormonal changes and postpartum depression to all these challenges, and you have a recipe for a frazzled mom who feels like she’s falling apart. What most moms don’t know is that a few minutes of self-care and regular cheap therapy sessions can make a world of difference.
Signs You Need Mental Health Support
Even though motherhood can be extremely stressful at times, it can also be the most fulfilling, beautiful role a woman takes in life. The key is to always prioritize your mental health instead of waiting for some crisis to send you over the edge. Moms who take the time and effort to maintain mental wellness typically respond to hard times with greater resilience and strength. They also find it easier to be supportive of their children and spouse.
You may be wondering if your mental health is currently good or bad. It’s not always easy to tell, especially when you’re too busy rushing around to really reflect on your mental state. Here are a few telltale signs that you need (and deserve) to make room for mental health support in your life.
Emotional Symptoms
Emotional symptoms are often the first to appear when you’re approaching parental burnout. You may notice that your tear ducts somehow seem to be attached to every emotion you feel. You cry when you’re angry, happy, sad, or frustrated. You might burst into sobs because you can’t find the remote control or because your toddler asked why your belly’s so fat. Excessive crying, mood swings, and increased irritability are all indications that your mental health is suffering.
These symptoms can be embarrassing and overwhelming, but try not to ignore or dismiss them. They’re not a reflection of who you really are. Instead, they’re your body’s way of telling you that you need more support in your life. Take some time to talk through your problems with a close friend who knows how to help you feel better. You might also schedule an appointment with a professional therapist who can teach you how to understand and work through your emotions.
Cognitive Symptoms
When your mental health is in a sad state, you may start to experience strange cognitive symptoms. You might notice that you can’t make everyday decisions anymore. You may struggle just to figure out what to make for dinner. Walking into a room and forgetting why you’re there is another indication that you could be experiencing parental burnout.
It’s normal to sometimes feel a bit scatterbrained, especially if you have a lot on your schedule for the day. However, if you consistently feel like you’re walking through a fog or can’t maintain a train of thought, it’s time to seek help. Your mental load is probably too heavy for you to successfully handle on your own any longer. There’s no shame in seeking mental health support in these times. In fact, doing so can make you a better, more efficient mom.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of poor mental health or burnout may include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and extreme fatigue. Most moms feel tired from time to time. However, burnout is a different beast entirely. It can cause you to feel like simply getting out of bed in the morning requires Herculean effort.
Poor hygiene is another physical indication that your mental wellness requires attention. If you can’t remember the last time you showered or fixed your hair, it’s time to reach out for help and support.
How to Seek Help
If you show any of these emotional, cognitive, or physical symptoms of “mom burnout,” it’s crucial to seek help. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Consult a mental health professional;
- Prioritize self-care
- Reach out to family, friends, and other loved ones
- Join a mommy support group
- Educate yourself about your mental health resources
Trying to be “Supermom” and doing everything on your own might seem noble, but it can take a toll on your mental health. When you take steps to ensure your mental wellness, you can show up more effectively for your kids and partner. More importantly, you send a message to yourself that you’re worth the effort it takes to stay happy, healthy, and thriving.
