• August 19, 2024
• Anxiety & StressDepressionParenting & Families
• Jeffrey Aviles

Motherhood comes along with a lot of extra responsibilities and daily tasks. If your plate was already filled with responsibilities from housework, work, life in general, or a combination, as a mom you have to find a way to juggle the wants and needs of your children as well.

As a mom, you often put your family’s wants and needs above your own. While this may start with choosing to feed or bathe your child before you feed or bathe yourself, it can turn into other things.

A mom may leave work early to pick up their sick child, say no to hanging out with friends to make it to their child’s appointment, or act as their child’s chauffeur to their extracurricular activities throughout the week.

Motherhood often means pushing aside your own wants, needs, and goals to tend to your children. But what are you supposed to do when you’re a working mother who is also struggling with depression?

Let’s learn more about how you can cope with depression as a working mother.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

One of the best ways to cope with depression is to first admit and acknowledge the feelings that you’re experiencing. A lot of people, especially moms, try to push aside their true thoughts and feelings to prioritize their family and be able to show up as the best version of themselves. Life is filled with a lot of ups and downs. The bad days make the good ones even better. Allow yourself to feel, judgment free.

Practice Self-Care

Many moms tend to push aside taking care of themselves so they have the time and energy to focus on their children. The truth is that you can’t fill someone else’s cup if yours is completely empty. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s actually essential. Self-care ensures that you’re finding time to rest and recharge so you have the energy to make it through your days.

Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself can make you feel better from the inside out. It’s important to make sure that you’re fueling your body properly during the day and not skipping meals. Try to eat between 3-5 healthy and well-balanced meals during the day. Drink enough water. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night. You can also take care of yourself by moving your body for at least thirty minutes each day to help you stay healthy and reduce stress levels.

Lean On Your Loved Ones

Even if you may not realize it, you have a support system that is there to help you. All you have to do is ask for it. Lean on your loved ones during this time. You have family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers who would be happy to help you. All you have to do is let them know what you need from them. They can be there to listen to you vent, help you complete household chores, assist with taking your children to school, or provide advice to get you through this difficult time. A support system helps you feel a little less alone, especially when you’re struggling.

Seek Additional Support

You’re always there to support each member of your family and friend group. It’s time to allow someone else to do the same for you. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help from time to time. Even as a mom, you’re not expected to have all of the answers in life. Working with a mental health professional can help you manage the signs and symptoms of depression that you’re experiencing. Asking for help can be one of the best ways for you to show up for your family and yourself again. Reach out today to get started.