According to a study by the American Psychological Association, stay-at-home moms are more likely to experience deteriorating mental health conditions than working mothers. This is likely due to the added pressure of not only taking care of the home and children but also feeling guilty for not being at work.
In this blog post, we will discuss some tips to help avoid stay-at-home mom depression. For mental health care services for yourself or your mother click here and reach out to Psych Specialties.
Get Out Of The House And Meet New People
Joining a moms’ group or taking a class are great ways to get out of the house and meet other adults. If you can’t get out of the house, try joining an online community or scheduling regular phone dates with friends.
Follow A Healthy Routine
Eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep are essential for maintaining your health and avoiding depression. Schedule time for yourself every day, even if it’s just 20 minutes to read or take a bath.
Talk To Someone About How You’re Feeling
Don’t bottle up your emotions. Talk to your partner, a friend, or a therapist about what you’re going through. Talking and getting your emotions expressed is very necessary or else you’ll burst into depression, anger and anxiety. Expression is nothing wrong, Its a stigma remove it.
Spend Time With Your Partner And Children
It’s easy to get so caught up in taking care of your family that you forget to spend time with them. Make sure to carve out some quality time each day to just be with your partner and children. This will help you to feel more connected to them and less isolated.
Try To See The Glass Half Full
It’s easy to focus on all the things that are wrong in your life, but that will only make you feel worse. instead, try to focus on the positive things in your life, however small they may be. Take time each day to write down three things you’re grateful for. Over time, you’ll see that there’s more good in your life than you realized.
Get Out Of Your Head
One of the biggest traps stay-at-home moms can fall into is overthinking things. If you find yourself obsessing over everything from your child’s sleep habits to whether or not you’re doing a good job, it’s time to take a step back. Remember that you are not responsible for everything and that you are doing the best you can.
Seek Professional Help If Needed
If you are struggling to cope, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can provide support and guidance during this difficult time.
Remember That You Are Not Alone In This
Many moms experience similar challenges and feelings. You are not alone in this journey. Seek out social support from friends, family, or online communities of moms.
Children Are Lovely
It might sound obvious, but one of the best ways to avoid depression is to focus on the positive. Make it a point to praise your children every day, even for small things. This will help you to appreciate all the good in your life and feel more connected to your children.
Reasons For Depression Among Mothers
According to a recent study, nearly two-thirds of stay-at-home moms suffer from depression. While there are many possible reasons for this statistic, Some of the common ones are,
Physical Disability
One of the most common reasons for stay-at-home mom depression is a physical disability. When a mother is unable to leave her home due to illness or injury, she can quickly become isolated and lonely. In addition, the constant caregiving can be exhausting, leaving little energy for anything else.
Illness
Any kind of illness can lead to distress. For instance, osteoarthritis, which is very common in women, can cause pain and fatigue. This can make it difficult to take care of a home and family. In addition, chronic illnesses like heart disease or diabetes can lead to depression.
Feeling Of Worthlessness
Many stay-at-home moms feel that they are not contributing to society in a meaningful way. They may feel like their only purpose is to take care of the home and family. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness.
Lack Of Social Interaction
Another common cause of depression in stay-at-home moms is a lack of social interaction. Without regular contact with other adults, mothers can quickly become isolated and bored. In addition, the lack of adult conversation can lead to feelings of loneliness and inadequacy.
Financial Stress
The high cost of childcare can make it difficult for families to make ends meet, leaving parents feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. In addition, the immense responsibility of caring for a family can be overwhelming, leaving moms feeling like they are not doing enough.
Older Age Moms
Older age moms are also at a higher risk for depression. This is likely due to the fact that they are more likely to be isolated, have physical limitations, and experience worthlessness.
how can I help my challenging mother
How Can You Help Your Depressed Mother?
It is important to support stay-at-home moms so they do not feel isolated or depressed. There are several ways to do this:
- Offer to babysit so she can have some time for herself. This could be for a couple of hours or even overnight.
- Take her out for coffee or lunch and just listen. Let her talk about whatever is on her mind.
- Invite her to join social activities or groups, such as a book club or hiking group.
- Help out around the house with chores, either on a regular basis or when she is feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion
If you’re a stay-at-home mom and you’re feeling depressed, know that you’re not alone. And there are things you can do to start feeling better. Here are nine tips to help avoid depression and get your life back on track. If these tips don’t help or if your depression is severe, please reach out to professional mental health services. Let us help you get the support and treatment you need to feel like yourself again.
