Signs of Mommy Burnout

Mommy burnout is the emotional and physical exhaustion you feel from the chronic stress of parenting. There are many telltale signs that mommy burnout is taking a toll on you, but one of the most common warning signs and easily identifiable is if you’re struggling to find joy in parenting your child. When you feel no joy with your child, and it’s just not “fun,” this could be a sign that mommy burnout has set in. But there’s more to worry about than just the exhaustion and stress.

There are key signs to look out for that show mommy burnout has set in and could be out of control. While the physical symptoms of mommy burnout may not be visible to the person experiencing burnout, they’re very apparent to a stranger or even your doctor or friends. For example, you may not feel like you’re “tired” all the time, but you may experience shortness of breath or find that you don’t feel well when you’re around your child. The stress within your home is also a significant sign of mommy burnout. 

Moms need to recognize the signs; some critical symptoms of mommy burnout include:

Exhaustion:

You are feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. You feel like you do not have anything more to offer your child. Throughout the day, you have feelings of heaviness and a lack of energy. Finding yourself feeling drained and depleted can also be a sign of exhaustion.

Poor self-care:

Burnout can lead to a lack of self-care, with moms neglecting their physical and emotional needs. Meals might be skipped, not getting enough sleep, and not engaging in relaxing activities. As a result, you are no longer doing what you need to ensure good physical and emotional health.

Irritability and mood swings:

Burnout can cause moms to become irritable and moody, leading to conflicts with family members, friends, and coworkers. When you feel irritable and moody, it makes it more challenging to engage with your child. As a result, you may get into conflicts with your child during a stressful day or take your anger out on others.

Depersonalization:

Burnout can cause moms to feel emotionally numb and detached from their emotions and experiences. This can lead to a lack of interest or enjoyment in once pleasurable activities and a sense of disconnection from themselves and their relationships. As a result, you may feel unmotivated by life.

Lacking a sense of accomplishment:

Burnout can cause moms to feel like they are not accomplishing anything, even if they are completing tasks throughout the day. This can lead to feeling stuck in a rut or not progressing towards their goals.

How to Treat Mommy Burnout

Mommy burnout can lead to many health issues, including depression and anxiety. Burnout moms need help from a therapist or professional specializing in child or maternal mental health so they can feel better, overcome their burnout and find the joy they once had. Feeling overwhelmed and too tired to do everything you must do is not helpful at all; it’s time for you to get help. 

To cope with mommy burnout, burnout moms can:

• • Seek support from family, friends, or a therapist.
  • Prioritize self-care through activities like exercise, mindfulness, or hobbies.
  • Set clear boundaries with work, family, and other obligations to prevent overextending themselves.
  • Reevaluate their expectations of themselves and others to prevent unattainable goals.
  • Take regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
  • Practice gratitude to cultivate a more positive outlook through journaling, mindfulness, or appreciation.

Remember, coping with burnout is a process, and it may take time to find strategies that work for you. It’s important to prioritize self-care and seek support to help prevent and recover from mommy burnout. Your health and well-being are important, and you must care for yourself. The signs of mommy burnout will worsen if you don’t get help. Working with a therapist to understand what is getting in the way of maintaining mental and physical health is the best step to recovering from mommy burnout.