4 Tips for Working Moms Struggling with Depression

Being a mother is a full-time job, but there are plenty of moms out there who have another full-time career on top of taking care of their kids. 

There’s no question that being a working mom takes a lot of time and energy. It can be exhausting, and you’ll end up doing a lot of task-juggling. But, there will undoubtedly be times when you’ll feel overwhelmed. 

Unfortunately, if those feelings linger for too long, you might end up struggling with depression. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to let depression completely take over your life. Let’s cover a few tips you can use to fight back against the feelings of depression, so you can make the most of your job and be fully present with your family.

1. Learn How to Say “No”

One of the biggest problems working moms can have is giving into pressure when it comes to their career and their family. You might feel like you have to “do it all” or be supermom to find success in both areas. 

That’s just not true. 

If you’re struggling with depression, taking on too many things at once can trigger symptoms of fatigue and make you feel overwhelmed. Unfortunately, that can create a negative cycle that makes it difficult to stay motivated. Then, you might struggle with feelings of guilt, or feel even more overwhelmed about getting everything done.

2. Practice Self-Care

You’ve probably heard this tip before, but before you scroll right past it, consider what self-care really is. It’s easy for companies to use it as a “buzz word” nowadays. But, self-care is a necessity for all of us. 

When you’re a working mother, especially when you’re dealing with depression, self-care should be a priority. As the old saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s a way to take care of yourself so you can take better care of your family and your career. 

To make self-care a priority, carve out time for it each day. Something as simple as a morning walk, journaling, mindfulness and/or meditation could all be a part of your self-care routine and could give your mental health a boost.

3. Ask for Help

Again, you don’t have to be supermom. Reach out for help whenever you need it, and lean on your support system as often as possible. 

That might include your partner or spouse, your family, friends, or other moms. Asking for help looks different for everyone. Maybe you need someone to take your child to soccer practice. Maybe you need a few hours alone at home to get some things done. You might even just need someone to take care of dinner tonight because you’re feeling overwhelmed. 

Asking for help within your support circle doesn’t make you weak, especially when you’re dealing with depression symptoms. Realizing you don’t have to hold all of that weight on your own can make a big difference in how you feel.

4. Get the Support You Deserve

In addition to getting help from your inner circle, it might be time to consider talking to a mental health professional. Again, that might seem like something you don’t have time for. It might even seem “selfish.” But, you can’t be the mom you truly want to be when you’re struggling with depression. 

Talking to a therapist will help you get to the underlying cause of your depression. You’ll also learn healthy, effective ways to manage your symptoms, and eventually overcome the invasive thoughts triggering your negative feelings. 

As a working mom, you really can do it all. But, you don’t have to compromise your mental health in the process. Feel free to contact me for more information or to set up an appointment for maternal mental health or depression therapy.