Stay-at-Home Mom Depression: Symptoms and How to Cope
It's not surprising to learn that a high percentage of mothers (roughly 28% of mothers) stay home to raise and care for their children. There are many reasons why a mother chooses to stay home, such as expensive daycare tuition, longing for more time with their children, or not having a job to go to at all. Whatever the reason, stay-at-home mom depression is something to be conscious of.
Many mothers love being stay-at-home moms while others might struggle with it. This isn't to say that mothers who love staying home don't face depression. Nor is this saying that those who don't enjoy staying home are automatically depressed.
However, it is important to make the distinction that being a stay-at-home mom is not a vacation. It is actual work no matter how old your child is. There are many duties and responsibilities to take care of each day. Stay-at-home moms don't often receive the credit that is due to them. The lack of acknowledgment also contributes to stay-at-home mom depression.
What is Stay-at-Home Mom Depression?
Stay-at-home mom depression can take place for various reasons. Some moms feel isolated staying home with their children all day with little-to-no adult interaction. Staying home sometimes means giving up part of a family's financial resources, which can make other parts of life difficult.
Other moms report feeling unseen in their role as caregivers and feel there is a lack of support for them. Regardless of the reason why a stay-at-home mom may be depressed, it's important to understand the symptoms and how to cope.
Stay-at-Home Mom Depression Symptoms
Stay-at-home mom depression symptoms may take some time to notice. While this is not an exhaustive list, the following are common symptoms moms experience.
Burnout
Burnout is all-encompassing; it is the state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. There is nothing left to give when you have completely depleted the resources your mind and body can give to others. This is a symptom of stay-at-home mom depression.
Loss of Energy or Motivation
Finding the motivation or energy to get up each day or get out of the house with your child can be a symptom. This is more than just feeling tired after a busy weekend or having been up and down with a baby at night. This symptom is ongoing.
Rage
Rage is a top emotion many stay-at-home moms experience. It feels uncontrollable and is often displayed through yelling, irritability, and/or anger.
Guilt
Some moms report feeling as if taking time for themselves is selfish and feel guilty about it. The guilt becomes a constant feeling when these moms aren't able to do anything for themselves without feeling guilty even though they are doing so much for their children at home.
Change in Appetite
Changes in appetite could be a symptom of stay-at-home mom rage. Some moms experience a loss of appetite while others may feel an increase. Keeping an eye on your eating habits to notice if any changes have occurred will be the best way to determine if your eating habits have changed.
How to Cope with Stay-at-Home Mom Depression
Along with knowing the symptoms of stay-at-home mom depression, you should also be aware of how to cope.
See a Therapist
The best way to cope with stay-at-home mom depression is to see a therapist. As a therapist, it is my job to be a listening ear for those experiencing mental health challenges. It is also my job to take you through solutions to your challenges to help you advance beyond the struggle.
It is my mission to be a safe place for moms who are struggling with their maternal mental health and help them see a light at the end of the dark tunnel.
Take Time Alone
This is probably easier said than done, however, it is important to take time alone each day for yourself. Even if you only have five minutes here and there, it is a break your mind needs often. Ideally, taking time away from home to go do something you like to do would be helpful. However, stay-at-home moms don't always have that option.
Instead, as long as the children in your care are safe and their needs are met, step outside for five minutes to get a break. You can also stay in your room for a few minutes and lay your head down, drink some water, write in a journal, or just sit there. However you choose to spend your time, it only matters that you actually do it.
Ask for Help from Others
It can be difficult to ask for help from others because society tells us not to. However, to help cope with stay-at-home mom depression, you should ask for help from family and friends. Ask them to step in to care for your children for an hour, bring you dinner, or be someone you feel you can confide in.
Incorporate Clean Eating
Some food items are associated with increased stress levels. Others are also associated with hormonal imbalances. Start with a clean eating routine that eliminates some of these culprits and helps boost your mood.
Get Some Sun
Vitamin D is known as a happiness vitamin. Just 15 minutes per day of the sun can significantly improve your stay-at-home mom depression. Take a walk around the block or sit outside for a boost of vitamin D to your day.
Stay-at-Home Mom Depression Can Be Treated
Being in a state of depression isn't something you have to experience by yourself. There are ways to cope and get help. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. In addition, experiencing stay-at-home mom depression doesn't make you a bad mom.
Being a parent is difficult no matter how many kids you have or how old they are. You have to take care of yourself if you want your children to learn how the importance of caring for themselves in the future. If you are ready to experience relief from your stay-at-home mom depression, book your free consultation with me today so that we can get ahead of the challenges you are facing. Your stay-at-home mom life can become sweeter with the right help.