MoodRx Clinical Staff - Jul 01, 2024
Why am I struggling as a stay-at-home mom? 8 signs of depression
Being a stay-at-home mom isn’t always cute crafts and all the cuddles with your babies that you want. It’s a much harder job than a lot of people think. It’s constantly juggling household duties, dealing with toddler temper tantrum meltdowns, changing diapers, wiping noses, cleaning up messes and so much more. We live in a world of the Pinterest-perfect concept of crafty moms and idyllic, perfectly put-together, Instagram-worthy lives. With all this pressure about being a perfect mom, is it any wonder why stay-at-home moms can be vulnerable to depression?
Approximately 28% of stay-at-home moms experience depression, 50% feel stressed, 26% feel sadness and 41% are worried about their families. If you feel like you’re in the trenches, fighting with everything you have to keep life at home rolling, there’s no shame in admitting you need help. It takes great strength and courage to reach out for help when you’re struggling with depression. Working with a therapist can help you learn healthy coping skills that can lead to you reclaiming the joy of motherhood and life.
Signs and symptoms of depression in a stay-at-home mom
Moms can be the default parent who carries the mental load of the family. You’re the backbone of the family who remembers all the likes and dislikes, who has what activity when, when the next doctor’s appointment is, and who has a birthday party to go to this weekend. Moms can be extremely good at hiding their struggles, trying not to let anyone know how close they are to breaking. However, there can be some signs to spot that, as a stay-at-home mom, you may be experiencing depression:
● Feeling constantly drained and exhausted — You used to have boundless energy, but now you struggle with even the simplest tasks.
● Feeling less interested — Activities you used to love, like playing with your kids, no longer spark the same level of joy. Thinking about sitting on the floor and playing may even feel overwhelming.
● Having little patience — Your patience has worn thin, and you find yourself snapping at your kids or getting frustrated easily with little things that would normally slide right by your attention.
● Changing sleep patterns — Do you find yourself constantly tossing and turning all night? Or maybe you sleep well but still feel like you could sleep for days and days. Changes in your sleep patterns can leave you feeling like you’re constantly depleted.
● Changing appetite — Foods you used to enjoy no longer tempt you, or you turn to comfort foods and can’t stop overindulging. You may notice that you are losing or gaining weight unintentionally.
● Feeling guilty — Mom guilt can sink in and make you feel like you’re not a good mom because you’re not meeting the expectations that you see in Instagram posts. You struggle with guilt about not always being happy, that you may feel like you need a break or want something more from life. While it may be hard to believe in the moment, you are a good mom!
● Feeling regret about motherhood — It can happen. In those dark moments of hitting rock bottom, you may feel like you shouldn’t be a mom. You may even have moments of hating motherhood. Even when you’re at your lowest, you are still a good mom.
● Having thoughts of harm — If you are having thoughts about dying or about harming yourself or your children, you should immediately seek help. Thoughts of suicide and self-harm can be a sign that your depression is spiraling out of control and you need immediate assistance. Call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.
Depression affects everyone differently. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for two weeks or more, it’s important to reach out for help. Depression isn’t a weakness, but rather a chemical imbalance in your brain. It doesn’t define who you are and what type of mother you are. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s essential for your well-being to help you be the best version of yourself for you and your family.
How can I overcome my struggle with depression as a stay-at-home mom?
When you hear “self-care,” you may think of bubble baths and face masks. However, self-care is so much more than that. It’s about being intentional in taking care of your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Here are some examples of self-care that can help you during your struggle with depression:
● Seek therapy — Therapy can provide you with a safe space to explore your feelings and develop tools to manage them. A therapist can help you dig in and understand why you’re struggling, build self-compassion, and create a personalized plan to help you feel better.
● Connect with other moms — Getting connected with other moms to build a strong support system can help. Sharing your struggles with others who understand can be incredibly empowering.
● Talk to your partner — Share how you’re feeling and ask for their support. Maybe they can take over some of the child care or additional household responsibilities to give you some time to focus on yourself and regroup.
● Get some exercise — Try to carve out some time for physical activity. It triggers your body to release endorphins, which are your body’s natural mood boosters.
● Be realistic — Be mindful and realistic when you’re scrolling through social media. Photos and posts only show what others want you to see. You don’t see what’s outside of that single moment and frame. Remember that you are a good mom.
Mama, you’re not alone. MoodRx can help you find the light and overcome your struggle with depression
At MoodRx, we understand the unique challenges stay-at-home moms face, and how those challenges can sometimes lead to depression. That’s why we offer a safe and convenient way to get the help and support you deserve. We can help you monitor your mental health after getting you matched with one of our compassionate and expert therapists. After getting matched, your therapist will help you manage your care with a personalized treatment plan, all from the comfort of your home. You don’t have to wait to feel better. We can help you take the first step to take control of your happiness and well-being today.
Contact our team today for more information or to sign up for free.
