Signs of Mom Burnout
How to Know When You’re Running on Empty
Mom burnout doesn’t always look like exhaustion.
Sometimes it looks like irritability, resentment, numbness, anxiety or feeling like you simply can't keep up anymore.
You may love your children deeply and still feel completely overwhelmed by motherhood.
Recognising the signs is often the first step towards understanding what you need.
You Might Not Realise You're Burned Out
When you're constantly busy, exhausted and responsible for everyone else, it can be difficult to step back and ask yourself how you're actually doing.
You might tell yourself:
"Every mom feels like this."
"I just need to get more organised."
"Things will get easier when the kids are older."
"I just need a good night's sleep."
Sometimes you really are tired.
But when exhaustion, overwhelm and emotional strain become your everyday experience, it may be something more.
Burnout isn't a sign that you're doing motherhood badly. It can be a sign that you've been carrying too much for too long.
What are the Mental, Emotional, Physical and Behavioural Signs of Burnout?
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You may feel more irritable, overwhelmed, numb or disconnected than usual. Guilt, resentment and a strong desire to escape or have time alone can also be signs that you're emotionally running on empty.
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Burnout can leave you feeling constantly exhausted, tense or physically drained. Sleep difficulties, headaches, changes in appetite and struggling to properly relax may also occur.
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You might find yourself withdrawing from others, snapping more easily, avoiding responsibilities or relying on scrolling and other distractions to get a break. You may also find yourself continually putting your own needs last.
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Your mind can feel permanently full. Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, overthinking, indecision and constantly thinking about what needs to happen next can make even simple tasks feel exhausting.
You don't have to keep running on empty.
Recognising the signs of burnout can be the beginning of something different.
You don't need to have everything figured out before asking for support.
Therapy can give you a space to slow down, understand what you're experiencing and reconnect with yourself beyond the demands of motherhood.
