Motherhood is about raising and celebrating the child you have, not the child you thought you would have.
-Joan Ryan
I am a very tired mom today! According to my apple watch, I got a good night sleep last night, but there are so many things that can lead to fatigue and not feeling our best. Today, it’s too much to do and not enough time in the day to do it all. It’s also me not feeling great after my weekly allergy shot with the very nice nurse who does the most painful shots. (I’m always excited when my favorite nurse is working, but that unfortunately wasn’t this morning). So, when I’m done with this blog, I’m going to give myself some time to rest and relax (and maybe even take a short nap) before my son gets home from school.
Here’s what’s to come in this blog: Possible causes of fatigue in motherhood, possible causes of overwhelm in motherhood, and wrapping up with unmet needs in motherhood. Enjoy!
Possible causes of fatigue in motherhood:
- Your baby not sleeping
- A child having nightmares
- Anxiety
- Grief
- A sick kid- at any age!
- A medical issue
- Depression
- Trauma
- SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- And for those of us with older teens, staying up and waiting for them to come home by curfew
What else would you add here?
Causes of overwhelm in motherhood:
- Trying to do it all yourself
- Lack of self-care
- Financial stressors
- Lack of emotional connection with others
- Putting other people’s needs above your own
- Relationship instability
- Being socially isolated
- Too much to do and not enough time to do it all
- Too many emotional hitting all at once
What else would you add to this list?
Unmet needs in motherhood:
- Sleep
- Movement and exercise
- Feeling connecting to yourself and others
- Healthy eating and time to cook healthy meals
- Mental stimulation
- Hydration
- Needing quiet
- A clean and organized home
- Alone time
- Time for self-care
What are some of your own unmet needs in motherhood?
If you’re struggling right now, know that you’re not alone. Motherhood fatigue and overwhelm, let alone our unmet needs in motherhood, are all very hard to navigate. If you could use more help and support, please reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area (if you don’t already have one). Know that I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love and compassion your way!
