World Mental Health Awareness Day
Oct 10, 2023
Today is World Mental Health Awareness Day.
Prevention is always better than a cure, but often it’s not until our mental health is already affected do we seek help and support. Parenting and all its responsibilities can feel overwhelming on most days. Often it just feels normal to feel stressed and you don’t think there’s anything wrong with suffering with it.
Parental burnout is real, and we can prevent it. But often admitting that you find parenting challenging can make you feel less than. But the truth is, you’re not alone. Every parent feels the same way at certain times, as they struggle with the demands and expectations of raising children in today’s society. This does not make you a terrible parent. Parental burnout does not mean that you don’t love your children or that you are unfit to care for them. It means that you need to take time to care for yourself and seek support.
You’re up against the clock, and you don’t have time to indulge in self care rituals, I know. But its that time ticking that you’re racing against that causes parental burnout. So here are some ways you can make time work for you, not against you. Addressing each one will help you cope with parental burnout and prevent it from getting worse.
HONESTY TIME
Recognize the signs of parental burnout and acknowledge your feelings. Don’t ignore or suppress them, as they can lead to more stress and frustration. Be honest with yourself and others about how you are feeling and what you need. Whatever you resist persists.
MESSY PARENTING TIME
Set realistic and flexible expectations for yourself and your children. Don’t try to be a perfect parent or compare yourself to others. Comparing yourself with ‘Wonder Woman’ will not do wonders for your confidence.
Accept that you are doing the best you can with the resources you have. Allow yourself and your children to make mistakes and learn from them.
HELP TIME
Seek help and support from others. You don’t have to do everything by yourself. Reach out to your partner, family, friends, neighbours, community or professional services, such as a therapist or a parent coach, for help. Delegate tasks, share responsibilities, ask for advice, or just vent your feelings. Join a support group or online forum where you can connect with other parents who understand what you are going through. Our group is @mumatherapy on Facebook and it is going to be a place where we will share our guided meditations and courses for parents in 2024. We’d love for you to join us!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/308125800283291
U TIME
Make time for yourself and your interests. Taking care of yourself is not selfish, it is essential. Find some time every day to do something that makes you happy, relaxes you or energises you. It can be as simple as reading a book, listening to music, meditating, exercising or taking a nap. Do something that is not related to parenting or work and that gives you a sense of identity and fulfilment.
PARTNER TIME
Nurture your relationship with your partner. Parenting can take a toll on your romantic relationship, especially if you don’t communicate well or spend quality time together. Keep your partnership healthy by expressing appreciation, affection, and respect for each other. Schedule regular date nights or activities that you both enjoy and that strengthen your bond.
US TIME
Reconnect with your children and enjoy parenting. Parental burnout can make you feel detached from your children and resentful of their needs. Try to rekindle your connection with them by spending time with them individually and as a family. Engage in fun, playful and meaningful activities that foster love, trust and communication. Remember the reasons you became a parent and what you love about your children.
TALK ABOUT IT
Sometimes all it takes is talking through any issues with a friend or loved one.
Alternatively, a therapist or parent coach can also be a great listening ear and guide to help you through any difficult patches. email me here [email protected] if you would like 1:1 support with this😊 or sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about our Burnout to Being Meditation Course.
Seeking help takes courage. It’s a strength, not a weakness.
If you had a physical pain, wouldn’t you seek advice and support?
Much love, Em x
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