Stay-at-home moms are often forgotten in society. They are the ones who sacrifice their careers and educational goals to raise their children. They are usually left with no social life, no money, and no self-esteem. All this pressure and more are some of the reasons why stay-at-home moms are depressed.
According to a poll conducted by Gallup, stay-at-home moms report depression. What is the real cause of stay-at-home mom depression?
There are many causes of stay-at-home mom depression. In this post, we are going to discuss the main cause of stay-at-home mom depression
Why stay-at-home moms are depressed?
1. Transition
The transition from working mom to stay-at-home mom can be hard for someone who has had a career before. The change can be a real cause of depression.
2. Loss of identity
Most of our identity is attached to the kind of job we do, so without a traditional office job, no one recognizes you.
Since the stay-at-home mom is not going to her 9–5 office job, no one recognizes them, hence they lose their identity.
They may not be able to see how what they do on a daily basis contributes to society or has any impact at all on others.
3. Lack of time for themselves
The lack of time for themselves is also a factor that contributes to depression among stay-at-home moms. They have very little time for themselves because they are constantly taking care of their children and doing household chores.
4. Fatigue
Stay-at-home moms spend the whole day working—housekeeping, feeding the baby, cooking, running errands the list is endless.
The job is so demanding that you don’t have time to take a break—no leave, no weekend, or sick leave leading to fatigue.
5. Lack of appreciation
Society doesn’t recognize being a stay-at-home mom as a job.
6. Isolation
Isolation is another real cause of stay-at-home mom depression. Lack of social connection and not being able to interact with people outside their circle often make mom feel isolated, which can lead to feelings of sadness.
7. Loneliness
When you are busy taking care of the baby, you are imprisoned at home. So you are alone at home with no adult to talk to or social interaction except repeating the same duties, leading to loneliness.
They only interact with people when they go out to buy groceries or when they go to the park with the kids, which can make them feel lonely.
8. Comparing yourself with others
It is natural for people to compare themselves with others. This can be in the form of comparing their own achievements, their looks, or even the way they live. We are often faced with social media posts and pictures that make us feel like we are not doing enough in life, or at least not as much as someone else is.
This can lead to a feeling of low self-esteem and even depression. It can also lead to a lack of motivation to do anything because you don’t feel good enough. But we need to remember that everyone has different experiences in life and that there is no one who has it all together all the time. Comparing yourself with others only creates more unhappiness and puts you on a path toward negative thoughts, which will have an impact on your mental health in the long run.
9. Lack of finances
Remember, being a stay-at-home mom is a non-paid job. If you were working before becoming one, you were earning something. The change from a salary to a non-paid job makes you feel pressure from tight finances, which, therefore, leads to depression.
Great business opportunity for mothers looking to work from home
The researchers found that the rates of depression in stay-at-home moms were higher than those in working moms. This is because they lack personal time and feel isolated from other adults.
There are some ways they can help overcome stay-at-home mom depression.