3 Questions to Ask Yourself When You Want to Quit

Maybe I’m biased, but my opinion on quitting is that sometimes it’s the best thing for you! Moms have enough stress and responsibilities on their plates without continuing something they wish they could quit. But how do you know when it’s the right decision and when you should push through? I don’t believe in the trope of “you have to pay your dues” or “you need to finish what you start.” If those are phrases you grew up hearing, you may have internalized them to mean that you’re a failure if you quit or even if you consider quitting.

If you’re thinking of quitting—whether it's a job, a commitment, or even a mindset—and you’re a perfectionist or an anxious person, I bet you often second-guess yourself. The thought of quitting feels like it’s going against everything you’ve worked for and everything you’ve been taught. But quitting isn't always about giving up. It can be about reclaiming your mental health and making choices that serve your well-being. Below are the three go-to questions I always ask myself (and recommend to clients) before making any big decision about quitting.

1. How Long Have You Felt This Way?

Is this a new feeling, brought on by a particularly tough day? If so, it’s okay to feel frustrated or fed up in the moment. But I ask this question to help you identify trends. If you’ve been thinking about quitting for a while or feeling like this isn’t serving you anymore, pay attention to that pattern. For instance, let’s consider the example of household chores, something many moms dread weekly. It’s often not realistic to quit cleaning altogether, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore those feelings of overwhelm or burnout. If you feel this way regularly, it’s important to dig deeper into what’s causing the stress.

Is it the never-ending feeling that the job is never truly done? Do you feel underappreciated by your family after all your hard work? Maybe it’s both. The reasons behind your feelings matter. And understanding those reasons is the first step toward making changes, whether it’s delegating tasks or reframing expectations. For moms who have experienced birth trauma in Youngstown, Ohio, this reflection could also apply to emotional burdens. The constant pressures of motherhood, especially after a difficult birth, can make it feel like you’re failing at something that should be joyful. Birth trauma therapy in Youngstown, Ohio, including EMDR for birth trauma, can help you process these feelings. And help you make room for healing instead of feeling like you need to “power through” them.

2. What Would Be Different If I Quit?

Reflect on how quitting or making changes would impact your life. Would you gain more free time for activities you genuinely enjoy? Would you feel a sense of relief or increased self-esteem? Would quitting help you build healthier boundaries in your relationships or even find a job that aligns with your values? For example, if you dread cleaning every week, think about what would happen if you outsourced some tasks. Could delegating chores to a family member or hiring help improve your mental health? Would it free up time for activities that fulfill you, like spending quality time with your children, exercising, or reconnecting with friends?

This type of reflection is crucial for moms dealing with infertility. The mental, emotional, and physical toll of fertility treatments can leave you feeling drained and defeated. Asking yourself what might change if you allowed yourself to pause—or seek therapy for infertility in Ohio—could open the door to healing. Infertility counseling in Youngstown, Ohio with a specialized infertility mental health therapist can provide you with the tools to manage stress, grief, and emotional fatigue while helping you process difficult decisions, including whether to continue or take a break from treatment.

3. Can I Afford Not to Quit?

This question flips the usual narrative on its head. Instead of asking whether you can afford to quit, ask yourself whether you can afford not to quit. Is staying in this situation causing you to lose a part of yourself? Are you waking up dreading the thought of your job, commitment, or relationship? Is it costing you your mental health and energy to stick with something that no longer serves you? For instance, staying in a draining job might mean you're sacrificing your well-being for a paycheck. In that case, quitting or seeking a better work-life balance may actually improve your overall mental and emotional health.

This idea applies to motherhood as well. Maybe you’ve been holding onto expectations that aren't sustainable, and it’s time to let go of the belief that you need to "do it all." In my experience as a therapist for moms and infertility mental health therapist, I’ve seen how holding onto these unrealistic expectations can increase anxiety, depression, and feelings of failure. Therapy for infertility in Youngstown, Ohio can be a game-changer. Especially, for moms who feel emotionally exhausted from navigating this difficult journey alone. A mental health therapist specializing in infertility counseling can help you process these feelings and create a healthier, more balanced perspective.

In some cases, EMDR for birth trauma can also be incredibly helpful. If you’re holding onto feelings of guilt or fear after a traumatic birth experience, working with a therapist who specializes in moms and birth trauma in Ohio can help you release those emotions. It allows you to move forward with a lighter heart and a clearer mind, rather than feeling trapped by the weight of those past experiences.

Finding Clarity Through EMDR Intensives

I hope these three questions help guide you toward a decision that supports your mental and emotional well-being. Quitting isn’t always about giving up; sometimes it’s about creating space for something better. Whether you’re facing burnout from household chores, struggling with feelings of inadequacy after a traumatic birth, or navigating the emotional toll of infertility, the choice to quit or change course can lead to deeper healing.

As you consider these questions, remember that your well-being matters. It’s okay to ask for help. Whether you’re dealing with birth trauma, infertility, or simply the daily stresses of motherhood, there’s support available. If you’re looking for therapy for birth trauma in Ohio, infertility counseling in Ohio, or support with mental health through EMDR intensives, you don’t have to go through this journey alone.

Start Healing with EMDR for Birth Trauma in Youngstown & Throughout Ohio

Navigating the emotional challenges of birth trauma, infertility, or the pressures of motherhood can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re dealing with the lasting effects of a traumatic birth, struggling with infertility, or feeling weighed down by anxiety, EMDR for Birth Trauma can provide the relief you need. I am a therapist for moms and an infertility mental health therapist in Youngstown, Ohio, offering support for issues like birth trauma, infertility, grief, and chronic stress. Through EMDR intensives or EMDR for Birth Trauma in Ohio, you can regain control, find balance, and begin your healing journey by addressing the deep-rooted emotional impacts of birth trauma, infertility, and other challenges. Here’s how to take the first step:

• Schedule a free intro call with me today.

• Make your first appointment for EMDR therapy.

• Move forward with confidence, feeling lighter and more grounded as you embrace motherhood with renewed strength and peace.

Additional Virtual Therapy Services Available in Ohio

As a therapist for moms and an infertility mental health specialist in Ohio, I offer a range of services designed to help you lead a more fulfilling life. I specialize in EMDR intensives and birth trauma therapy, which can address a variety of issues such as birth trauma, infertility, anxiety, and past trauma. Additionally, I provide EMDR for grief and therapy for anxious moms throughout Ohio. If you're a mother seeking support, don't hesitate to reach out today.