Let’s face it – motherhood isn’t for the faint-hearted! The overwhelming responsibilities that come with “responsible parenting” can leave you feeling like you’re stuck in a bit of a mommy rut!
If that best describes how you’re feeling, you’re not alone! Motherhood can be tough at times. But then, as the number one heroine, rock, and guide for your little ones, you’ve got only one option left as a loving mom – to soldier on!
Wondering how to go about it?
Don’t worry – that’s why we’re here!
In this blog, we’ll explore some common reasons why you’re feeling trapped as a mom and, most importantly, what you can do about it.
The Mommy Rut Is There – And You Aren’t Alone!
Being a mom is not only a beautiful thing but also a rewarding experience. The title of a “mom” comes with irreplaceable joy and pride and is one of the best things life can ever gift any woman.
As a mom, life has given you the opportunity to experience everything that comes with parenting. You’re the little one’s top cheerleader and confidante, the first person to witness the magic of their first cry, words, steps, and other developmental milestones.
Of course, you’re also the first person to experience the sweetest “I love you, mom”. And truth be told, not many things in life package this kind of beauty! These are moments that will certainly fill your heart with gratitude and warmth.
But then, all that is on one side of the coin! We’ve got the other side of circumstances, and that’s where your strength, heroism, and patience as a mom is put to the test.
Motherhood isn’t all about those hugs, kisses, and laughter you enjoy with your little angel. It isn’t all about that beautiful smile you see on your little angel’s face. There are dark moments in being a mom, so dark that the feeling of regretting parenting is almost irresistible.
A case in point is the feeling of being trapped, drained, and stuck as a mother. That births the question – what exactly is the reason for this unpleasant feeling?
Well, keep following closely as we explore that in the next section.
5 Reasons You’re Feeling Trapped As A Mom
The feeling of being trapped can’t really be attributed to one cause. We’ve got several aspects that collectively can generate the mighty force behind the unpleasant feeling of frustration and feeling unappreciated.
Let’s dig into each of them!
Overwhelming Responsibilities
As a mom, you carry on the role of being your little one’s campion throughout their childhood. That comes with heavy demand to meet their physical needs and manage their emotional well-being.
That’s only in the parenting sphere!
However, life has made you more than just a mom. You have other roles to play in other fronts of life. You could be someone’s partner, employee, sister, mentor, or even daughter.
Each of these titles comes with responsibilities attached and pooled together, you’re left with a never-ending to-do list, sleepless nights, and of course, that ugly feeling of being overwhelmed with responsibilities.
Loss of Identity
As a loving mom, prioritizing the needs of your kids and family comes naturally. You want to fulfil the societal need of being a “perfect mom”, which is fine.
However, oftentimes that comes with the loss of personal identity, resulting in you neglecting your own needs. Over time, this can lead to the feeling of being trapped in the “mommy” role.
Lack of Personal Time
The title of a mom won’t drain your interest in other things that bring you joy. If you’re a novel reader, you’ll still need to create moments to reap the joy and satisfaction you get from reading. The same applies to every other hobby.
You’ll also need time for personal interests and self-care. Unfortunately, not many moms create time for such, and that can take a toll on their physical and mental health.
In fact, some moms even develop guilt from taking their personal time, which can even worsen the feeling of being trapped.
Lack of Support
“It takes a village to raise a child.”
This popular African proverb clearly shows the massive effort it takes to successfully raise a child.
While you may not literally need the entire society, parenting support from your partner, close friends, and family is crucial.
When this support is missing, you’re forced as a mom to bear the entire weight of parenting yourself, contributing to the feeling of being overwhelmed and trapped in handling all the motherhood aspects alone.
Mental Health Challenges
If you’re a new mom, then you’re vulnerable to postpartum “baby blues” or depression. Getting a baby comes with a concoction of emotions, from joy and pride to fear and, even worse, depression.
When you’re under postpartum depression, the feeling of being trapped in the cycle of negative emotions can easily sneak in.
And yes, this depression isn’t a sign of weakness or character flaw, as some may translate it. It’s sometimes a result of childbirth complications and can be easily managed with proper treatment.
The Good News… You Can Overcome that Feeling!
No one loves the feeling of being trapped. In fact, if there were a price to pay to elude it, we’d all follow that route!
But then, that’s not the case, and overcoming the feeling isn’t something you can do in a day or two. Nevertheless, with the right steps and some bit of patience, you can beat this undesirable feeling.
Here’s how:
Prioritize Self-Care
It’s okay to care for the needs of your little one. But that shouldn’t come with neglecting your own. Get time and exercise, do what you love, or even relax. It will allow you to recharge and vent out negative emotions.
Define Your Boundaries
Get realistic with yourself about what you can handle. Know when to say no as a mom and ensure that you communicate your boundaries with those involved. The goal is to ensure that you create a balance between your personal needs and parenting.
A Moment Of Silence, Please!
No, you aren’t doing it as a gesture of respect to the deceased this time. Silence is a powerful remedy to stress.
In fact, health experts suggest that it calms the body and reduces stress. So, create a lone moment of tranquillity each day!
Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling with depression, seek professional help. Go to a counselor or therapist for the right therapy.
In case of postpartum depression, get treatment. It will help manage the condition and eventually solve your current problem.
Speak Out!
Don’t die in silence. If you have an understanding partner or trustworthy friend, share with them your struggles. Sharing itself is therapeutic. It will help you vent out the negative emotions and calm things down.
Conclusion
The feeling of being trapped as a mom is unpleasant and can affect your overall physical and mental health. It can even affect your family’s happiness.
Thankfully, it isn’t a lifetime feeling. With a few strategies and a bit of patience with yourself, you can overcome that terrible feeling.
I hope you found this article helpful. If so, please share with friends. Together we can make motherhood more fun and less stressful!
