Dealing with Burnout and Stress as a Parent
It is well-documented that parental burnout can have a negative impact on early childhood development. Studies have shown that children of parents who are struggling with burnout are more likely to experience developmental delays, academic difficulties, and behavioral problems. Additionally, these children are also at an increased risk for developing mental health disorders later in life.
Several factors can contribute to parental burnout
Including financial stress, relationship difficulties, work demands, and the caregiving demands of young children. However, regardless of the cause, it is clear that parental burnout can have a profound impact on early childhood development. For parents to be the most impactful not only for their family but for themselves, prioritizing needs is a necessity. The goal of this blog is not to create fear or guilt about how your mental health impacts the environment your children are in but to help you find resources, skills, and tips for managing burnout and stress early on.
Acknowledge that being a parent is hard work and can be stressful
Being a parent is overwhelming at times, no matter who you are. BIPOC parents often face additional challenges, such as racial tension and identity issues. LGBTQIA parents may also struggle with issues related to their own identity. And then there are the day-to-day challenges that all parents face, from balancing work and family life to dealing with tantrums and bedtimes.
It's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of responsibility that comes with being a parent. What we often forget is that we are not alone. There are millions of other parents out there who are facing the same challenges as you. And while it may not always be easy, the rewards of being a parent are more than worth the effort. So don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and take time for yourself when you can. Being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have.
Identify the signs of stress and burnout in yourself
As a society, we are often encouraged to push ourselves to our limits. We are told that success comes from working hard and never giving up. However, this can lead to a dangerous cycle of stress and burnout. It is essential to be able to identify the signs of stress and burnout in yourself so that you can take steps to prevent or manage them.
Some common signs of stress and burnout include
Feelings of overwhelming fatigue
difficulty concentrating
irritability
changes in sleep patterns
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to take some time for yourself. Consider taking a break from work or other responsibilities, exercising, spending time with loved ones, or doing something relaxing that you enjoy. It is also important to be aware of the fact that stress and burnout can have different signs and symptoms in different people. For example, people from marginalized groups may experience additional symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or physical health problems. If you are a member of a marginalized group ( non-binary, LGBTQ, or BIPOC), it is especially important to pay attention to your mental and physical health and seek support if necessary.
Get Support with Stress and Burnout Early on.
Stress and burnout can have severe consequences if they are not appropriately managed. However, by recognizing the signs early on and taking steps to care for yourself, you can prevent or minimize the impact of stress and burnout in your life.
Consider these tips for realistic self-care for parents!
Talk about what you are experiencing and do it often
Take a look at your stressful life, reevaluate what is and isn’t working
When making changes, make them small; sudden big changes are not always sustainable
Look into some parenting classes, training, and seminars for additional support
Remove “should” from your language. We can’t change the past!
Take micro-breaks. Fit in small self-care options in-between tasks that feel reasonable and realistic
Reconnect with your values. If you are experiencing stress and you are not living in line with your core beliefs and values, take a look at what you can change within that.
By taking some time out for yourself and doing things that make you happy, you can reduce stress levels and feel more relaxed. self-care is an essential part of leading a healthy and balanced life.
Make time for your partner or spouse, even if it's just a quick conversation
A strong relationship is one of the most valuable things a person can have. In our fast-paced society, it's all too easy to get caught up in our own lives and neglect the people who are closest to us. If you want to keep your relationship healthy and happy, it's essential to make time for your partner or spouse, even if it's just a quick conversation. When we lean on our relationships, they help us weather the storms of life. So take a break from work, turn off your phone, and give your partner or spouse your undivided attention. It will make a world of difference in your relationship.
Seek help from friends, family, or professionals if you're struggling to cope
If you are struggling to cope, it is important to seek help from friends, family, or professionals. There are many online therapy and counseling services in California available, and parenting support groups can also be extremely helpful. You may also want to consider seeking help from a religious leader or spiritual counselor. Remember that you are not alone in this; many people have gone through similar struggles and have come out stronger for it. Seek help from those who care about you, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Begin Therapy for Parents Dealing with Burnout and Stress in California!
Parenting is hard work. It can be one of the most rewarding things we do in our lives, but it can also be really stressful and overwhelming at times. If you’re feeling stressed out and burned out, it’s important to take care of yourself. These tips should help get you started on finding ways to relax and de-stress. Make time for your partner or spouse, even if it’s just a quick conversation. Seek help from friends, family, or professionals if you’re struggling to cope. We want to support parents adjusting to change and trials as LGBTQ+, nonbinary, or BIPOC parents.
At Whole Mother Therapy in Pasadena, CA, we offer online therapy in California, for parents and individuals needing support. If you are ready to work with one of our skilled and compassionate therapists, then follow these simple steps to get started:
Learn about our online therapists serving California
Begin Feeling More In Control and Balanced During the Harder Seasons!
Other Services Available at Whole Mother Therapy
Other services available at Whole Mother Therapy Services include Marriage and Couples Counseling, support groups ( postpartum, pregnancy, and music), Psychotherapy for postpartum depression and Anxiety, infant loss, birth trauma, individual therapy for parents, and therapy for stress and parental burnout. All of our services are available via online teletherapy (online therapy in California/virtual therapy in Pasadena) for those looking for accessible services from the comfort of their own space.