Being a mother is a rewarding experience, but it can also be lonely. It’s funny, you can be surrounded by chaos and people and still feel alone. There are times when you probably feel like you are the only one going through this experience. The good news is that there are ways to fight loneliness and take care of yourself. Let’s discuss things you can do to cope with loneliness when you are a mom.
Mom’s are lonely
For mom’s feeling lonely might feel isolated, anxious, or depressed. Maybe you don’t have anyone to talk to about your struggles or you feel like you are the only one going through this experience. You might even feel like you are not good enough.
These feelings are common for mothers, especially if you are a single mother or do not have a lot of family support. It is important to understand that loneliness is normal and it does not mean that you are a bad mother.
Loneliness in motherhood
Research tells us that nearly 1/3 of parents experience chronic loneliness. If you’ve ever felt the emptiness of motherhood, it is important to remember that you are not alone in your experiences. It’s clear that for many parents, social and emotional needs are not being met.
Why mom’s are lonely
There are a few reasons why mothers can feel lonely. First, motherhood is a huge change and it can be hard to adjust. You are now responsible for another human being and you have to worry about their well-being. This can be overwhelming and isolating.
Second, motherhood is often portrayed as a perfect experience. We see images of mothers who seem to have it all together. This can make you feel like you are not doing enough or that you are not good enough.
Lastly, motherhood can be isolating. You might not have a lot of time to spend with friends or family. You might even feel like you have to do everything on your own. This can leave you feeling alone and unsupported.
Tips for solving loneliness in motherhood
There are a few ways that you can fight loneliness as a mother. Try the following tips:
Own it
It’s okay to acknowledge that you are feeling lonely. This is a normal feeling and you should not be ashamed of it. By acknowledging it, you can start to take steps to solve it.
Reach out
One way to fight loneliness is to reach out to others. This could mean joining a moms group, talking to friends or family, or even meeting new people. You might be surprised by how many other mothers are going through the same thing.
Take care of yourself
It is also important to take care of yourself. This includes getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising. You might also want to consider taking some time for yourself each day. This could be reading a book, taking a bath, or just taking a few minutes to relax.
Create a support system
Another way to fight loneliness is to create a support system. This could include family, friends, or even a therapist. This support system can be there for you when you are feeling lonely or need someone to talk to. A great support system can help you feel like you have someone in your corner when you are up against difficult things, or even if you just need a friend to meet for a playdate.
Determine your priorities
Determining your priorities will help you understand what is most important to you and what you can let go of. Dropping things that aren’t serving you will help you make room for activities and events that will help you cope with loneliness.
Think about what you need
What can you do to make yourself feel better? What do you need? Doing a quick thought download can help. Simply grab a pencil and paper and give yourself a few minutes to write down what is causing you the most worry and what might be able to help. You might be surprised at what you come up with.
Practice self-care
Make sure you are taking care of yourself. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising. You might also want to consider taking some time each day for yourself. This could be reading a book, taking a bath, or just sitting outside.
Want more ideas for self-care? Read: Self Care for Moms: The Essentials
Reach out to others
A great way to fight loneliness is to reach out and talk to others. This could mean joining a moms group, talking to friends or family, or even meeting new people. You might be surprised by how many other mothers are going through the same thing.
Carve time for friends and family
Make sure you are carving out time for friends and family. This is important to maintain your relationships and to get support. You might want to consider having a weekly girls night or scheduling regular family dinners.
Do small things at first.
If reaching out to others is difficult, start small. You could send a text to a friend or family member, leave a comment on someone’s social media post, or even call them.
Volunteer in the community
A great way to meet new people and feel connected is to volunteer in your community. This could be at your child’s school, a local nonprofit, or even just helping a neighbor. Just make sure you are honest with yourself and others about what you manage time-wise.
Join a club or group
Another way to meet new people is to join a club or group. This could be anything from a book club to an exercise class. It’s a great way to find people with similar interests.
Seek professional help
If you are feeling really lonely, you might want to consider seeking professional help. This could be a therapist, counselor, or doctor. They can help you understand your feelings and provide support.
You are not alone in this experience and there are people who want to help. Seek out support from others and make sure you are taking care of yourself. These things will help you fight loneliness in motherhood.
