Parental Burnout - Help A Parent Out By Telling Us What’s Working For You!

It looks like we all agree! Parental burnout is real. Period. Maybe it hasn't always been called burnout - but it's definitely always existed. So, we asked some of you from our Mamamade community on Instagram if you felt the pressure, and I am not surprised that 95% of you said YES!! 😰 The struggle is real, and we are all feeling a bit too caught up in the juggling act of modern-day parenting along with all the other acts we've got going on.

You might want to know what burnout actually means, so here it is - burnout is a form of severe exhaustion caused by uncontrollable chronic stress, which leaves those affected feeling physically and mentally overwhelmed 👀 Sound a bit too familiar in this day in age 💗 Burnout is different from the general daily stress and fatigue all parents feel at times. Parental burnout is an exhaustion that can leave parents struggling to cope, making them unable to function.

Look, I'm not saying that we need to overlook all the good days, but for you reading this right now, I need you to know that you are not alone in this and that we are here to share the load with you. Even if that means writing a short little message through this blog to make you feel a sense of comfort and relatability, from one parent to another 🙋🏻‍♀️.

We asked how parental burnout has affected you?

The response came flooding in! There was such an incredible amount of venerability, to the extent that made me feel like parents just wanted a release. A bit of an escape from being the "I'm all put-together", "I can do it all" personality which we all adopt as soon as we become parents. And let’s face it, we also see day in day out in the highlights reels of every perfectly put together social media image. It’s not real life, and that’s what we’re here for at Mamamade - honest parenting.

I'd love to share some of the responses with you. Because I think that's the problem, no one honestly talks about the hardship of having a bad day. We get to see all the highlights but never the lows.

• “Don’t have the motivation to do any homework whatsoever my husband is keeping us afloat”.

• “I just cry all the time because I'm exhausted”.

• “Makes me hate myself for not being a better mum”.

• “I just felt completely out of control and it affected all areas of my life, eating sleeping, money”.

• “Impatient with my kids. constantly snapping and stressed”.

See, you aren't alone, and I hope this has helped you understand that you aren't expected to be a superhero. The truth is that no one can be a superhero!

We also asked our community how they are coping and managing with all the emotions that come with parental burnout. What's working for them?

Once again, there was no holding back the support that came in for this message. I truly believe this is because we've all been there, and some of us have finally accepted that the struggles of parental burnout isn't something that you have to carry with you! So, let those who are willing to help you, guide you to a more supportive environment with these messages.

• “Got some therapy to help my postpartum anxiety”.

• “Take it day by day...It will help improve”.

• “Recognising and asking for a break. A spa day is the one thing that helps me recharge”.

If You need some help or advice with your mental health, you can:

• Speak to your local GP.

• Call Samaritans on 116 123.

• Use the Shout text service if you are struggling to cope – text Shout to 85258.

• Call CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) on 0800 585858 or contact the team using live chat (5pm until midnight).

• Contact your local mental health crisis team, available 24/7.

That's all for now! I hope this has helped you in one way or another. If you’ve got anything to share please leave it in the comments below or send us a DM on Instagram.

If you’re looking for some more parenting blogs like this one check out “5 Things We Wish We Knew Before Becoming A Parent!”, “Postpartum Identity” and “What You Need to Know About Parental Burnout”.

Lots of love,

Himanshi