Why Am I So Overwhelmed as a Mom?

Ever get tired of carrying so many things in your brain at one time? It’s one of the hardest parts of being a mom. The mental load we carry can be overwhelming. Read on for some info on why moms as caregivers and as women have more barriers to manage than ever.

Take a second and ask yourself:

Do you feel the need to get every task done perfectly? 

Do you judge yourself harshly if/when you forget something? 

Do you wish someone would help lighten the load? 

Moms do so much juggling of tasks in their brains, that by the end of the day we’re worn out, touched out, stressed out! (And often do not feel empowered to communicate these!)

If this is you, you’re not alone. I work with lots of moms who feel the same way! Society has taught us, as women, that it’s our responsibility to raise children, care for a spouse, manage the household all while conforming to a very narrow view of what a “hot mom” looks like. The guilt, resentment and overwhelm can build up resulting in some different behaviors that aren’t always helpful (avoiding talking about feelings at all, being distracted/not present with your child, yelling/screaming/exploding, increased substance use to cope, etc). 

The expectations listed above are unrealistic. They’re not achievable and they don’t have to be your end goal. When we as moms continue to strive for perfection, the person who loses is us. We lose sleep, we lose time, we lose peace of mind and we lose the ability to be present with our kid/s. Perfectionism can be a response learned through childhood, a way to prevent being judged, criticized or worse from those around you. 

I specialize in working with perfectionists, all or nothing thinking moms who want to find a middle ground and reduce their stress. If you’re an Ohio or New York mama, contact me to see if we’re a good match for therapy. I help moms feel less burned out and find themselves again.