MOM BURNOUT IS REAL
You wake up already thinking about everyone else.
What time do the kids need up?
What’s for breakfast?
Did somebody sign that school paper?
Who has an appointment?
What’s for dinner?
Did you pay that bill?
Does everyone have clean clothes?
And somewhere in the middle of managing everyone else’s life, you’re supposed to work, maintain relationships, keep the house functioning and somehow find time to “practice self-care.”
Sure.
Right after you finish the other 47 things.
LOVING YOUR FAMILY DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T BE EXHAUSTED BY MOTHERHOOD
This is something women need permission to say more often:
I love my children, and I’m fucking exhausted.
Those statements don’t contradict each other.
Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t make you a bad mother.
Wanting time alone doesn’t mean you don’t want your family.
Being irritated when somebody says “Mom” for the 700th time today doesn’t mean you love them any less.
It means you’re a human being with limits.
WHEN EVERYONE GETS A PIECE OF YOU
The problem isn’t always one enormous crisis.
Sometimes it’s a thousand tiny responsibilities.
Remembering.
Planning.
Scheduling.
Checking.
Worrying.
Anticipating what everyone will need before they even realize they need it.
That invisible work can become exhausting, especially when you feel like you’re carrying most of it alone.
Eventually, there may not seem to be much of you left.
YOU DESERVE CARE TOO
Not because you’ve earned it.
Not because you’ve finished everything.
Because you’re a person.
Your needs don’t automatically become less important because you became somebody’s mother.
Ask for help.
Take the break.
Tell your partner what you actually need instead of hoping they’ll notice.
Talk to someone you trust.
And if exhaustion, sadness, anxiety, irritability or feeling overwhelmed is becoming persistent or interfering with everyday life, consider talking with a qualified healthcare or mental-health professional.
You don’t have to wait until you’re completely depleted before getting support.
YOUR KIDS DON’T NEED A PERFECT MOM.
They need you.
Human.
Imperfect.
Sometimes tired.
Sometimes frustrated.
Sometimes kicking ass.
Sometimes barely getting through Tuesday.
And still here.
Take care of the woman underneath the word “Mom.”
She’s important too.
Bitch Nation Mental Health Hub provides educational and peer-support content and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential crisis support by call or text at 988; life-threatening emergencies should go to 911/emergency care