stay-at-home mum depression

Could you have stay-at-home mum depression?

In Features, Mind Health, Motherhood, Stories by Nicole Fuge

Rocking the stay-at-home life with its tantrums and endless chores? We feel you. That’s when stay-at-home mum depression can sneak in, dimming your glow. But remember, you’re not in this alone.

By Charlotte Cruz

Stay-at-home mums often have an incredibly rewarding yet challenging role.

While they are central to the foundation of a family, nurturing children and often managing household chores, they may sometimes experience a unique form of depression known as “stay-at-home mum depression.”

And this depression is linked to the distinct challenges they face daily.


“BEING A STAY-AT-HOME MUM IS A VALUABLE AND OFTEN UNDERAPPRECIATED ROLE. IT’S ESSENTIAL TO RECOGNISE THE CHALLENGES AND ENSURE THAT MUMS HAVE THE SUPPORT AND RESOURCES THEY NEED TO THRIVE, NOT JUST SURVIVE.”

stay-at-home-mum depression, mama disrupt
Recognising the Signs

Stay-at-home mum depression can manifest itself in various ways. Some of the symptoms may include:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Fatigue and low energy levels
  • Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Changes in appetite, either eating too much or too little
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
stay-at-home-mum depression, baby sleep, nanit, mama disrupt
Root Causes

Several factors contribute to stay-at-home mum depression:

  1. Isolation: Mums who are at home often miss the social interactions of a workplace. Being isolated with kids can sometimes amplify feelings of loneliness.
  2. Pressure to be perfect: With social media flaunting ‘perfect’ mums, there’s a constant pressure to live up to those standards, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
  3. Financial dependence: Not having an individual income can sometimes cause stress, leading to feelings of dependence or insecurity.
  4. Lack of acknowledgment: Stay-at-home mums might feel their hard work goes unnoticed or isn’t valued by society, leading to feelings of invisibility.
stay-at-home-mum depression, healthy during winter, mama disrupt
Coping Mechanisms
  1. Stay connected: Engage in local mum groups or virtual forums to share experiences and feelings. This can help combat feelings of isolation.
  2. Seek professional help: If feelings of sadness persist, it might be beneficial to see a therapist who can provide coping strategies and support.
  3. Set realistic expectations: Remember that nobody is perfect. Aim for progress, not perfection.
  4. Take time for self-care: Find moments for self, whether it’s a short walk, reading, or any activity that helps to relax and rejuvenate.
  5. Communicate with partners: Sharing feelings with a supportive partner can be therapeutic. They might offer a different perspective or provide assistance in ways previously not considered.

Being a stay-at-home mum is a valuable and often underappreciated role. It’s essential to recognise the challenges and ensure that mums have the support and resources they need to thrive, not just survive. By understanding stay-at-home mum depression, we can be more compassionate and supportive towards the warriors of our homes.

SUPPORT RESOURCES:

COPE
Gidget Foundation
PANDA
Beyond Blue

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