This is the story of Kate.
Kate is a dedicated, hard working, driven career woman in her mid thirties. The demands of her job are high with never ending stress and deadlines to meet. Her days became marked by a sense of relentless exhaustion, both physically and emotionally but still she poured everything she had into her work. The joy work used to give her began to fade, replaced by a weariness that manifested in heightened irritability and a diminishing well of motivation. Despite her best efforts, productivity waned, and Kate began to spiral downwards. Colleagues noticed her withdrawing, concentration became its own daily battle, and she began to question her effectiveness in a role she once thrived in. Kate, through support and understanding from her employer and colleagues, was able to reclaim not only her career but a sense of fulfillment and well being.
This is the story of Louise, the week before Christmas.
Louise is a devoted mom to three young boys. The additional preparations and stress of the upcoming holiday season is taking its toll on her. The responsibility she feels to continue the holiday traditions and create magical memories for the family now feel like heavy, daunting tasks. Louise finds herself experiencing a heightened sense of irritability and emotional detachment with the holiday season feeling like an overwhelming challenge that she is not up for this year. Where she once thrived on the spirit of Christmas, she now finds herself questioning her ability to make the season special for her family, grappling with making the right decisions and choices, and feeling a disheartening emotional distance. She is struggling with parental burnout – alone.
Career burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork.Career burnout is generally more widely recognized and acknowledged in professional settings. Employers, colleagues, and mental health professionals are often more attuned to the signs of burnout in the workplace. Many organizations are increasingly aware of the importance of employee well-being and have implemented initiatives to address burnout. This may include employee assistance programs, flexible work arrangements, and mental health resources.
Parental burnout is a specific form of burnout that affects parents and caregivers, and it is characterized by feelings of exhaustion, detachment, and inefficacy in relation to one’s role as a parent.While parental burnout is gaining recognition, it may still be less understood and acknowledged compared to career burnout. Societal expectations around parenthood and the assumption that it should be inherently fulfilling can contribute to the underrecognition of parental burnout. Support for parental burnout may vary. Friends and family might not always recognize the signs, and there may be societal pressures that make it challenging for parents to openly discuss their struggles.
Parental burnout is frequently overlooked, and many of us hesitate to admit our struggles, often burdened by feelings of guilt. The lack of open dialogue about this can lead us to mistakenly believe that other parents aren’t facing similar challenges. We may end up unfairly judging ourselves, thinking that our difficulties make us inadequate or lesser parents. Breaking the silence and acknowledging parental burnout can help dispel these misconceptions, fostering a more supportive and understanding community for parents.
Here are some of the common indicators of parental burnout:
Exhaustion:
- Persistent fatigue and physical exhaustion, despite adequate rest.
- Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of parenting.
Emotional Distress:
- Increased irritability and impatience with children.
- Frequent mood swings and heightened emotional reactivity.
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness.
Reduced Parenting Efficacy:
- A sense of ineffectiveness or inadequacy as a parent.
- Doubts about one’s ability to meet the needs of the child.
- Difficulty in making decisions related to parenting.
Detachment:
- Emotional distancing or withdrawal from the child.
- Loss of interest or enjoyment in spending time with the child.
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected.
Decreased Satisfaction in Parenting:
- Loss of joy and satisfaction in parenting activities.
- Lack of fulfillment in the parental role.
- Questioning the value and meaning of being a parent.
Neglect of Self-Care:
- Ignoring one’s own needs and well-being.
- Difficulty finding time for self-care activities.
- Neglecting personal hobbies or interests.
Sleep Difficulties:
- Disrupted sleep patterns due to parenting-related stress.
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Loss of Perspective:
- Difficulty seeing the positive aspects of parenting.
- Tendency to focus on challenges and negative aspects.
- Feeling stuck in a cycle of negativity.
Impaired Cognitive Function:
- Difficulty concentrating on parenting tasks.
- Forgetfulness and lapses in memory related to parenting responsibilities.
Changes in Social Interaction:
- Social withdrawal from friends and support networks.
- Difficulty maintaining social connections due to parenting demands.
The Human Resources department in a company often plays a prominent role in supporting employees experiencing career burnout. They provide resources and services to help employees manage their stress and challenges as well as implementing programs to promote a healthy work-life balance. Often they will work to create awareness about burnout, stress management and mental health, which results in a more supportive and understanding workplace culture.
But where is the HR for parental burnout?
It’s like navigating uncharted territory. Career burnout gets a spotlight; it’s discussed, managed, and there are resources available. Parental burnout seems to slip through the cracks. There’s this prevailing notion that parenthood should come naturally and effortlessly, leading to a lack of recognition and understanding when parents face burnout. It’s a tough reality—struggling as a parent might make you feel isolated and as though your experience isn’t valid because it’s not openly acknowledged. Recognizing parental burnout and creating avenues for support and understanding is crucial to ensure that those facing these challenges don’t feel alone or invalidated.
If you can resonate with the signs of parental burnout consider these suggestions:
Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize and accept that you are experiencing parental burnout. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and acknowledging your emotions is the first step toward healing.
Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a support network. Sharing your feelings can provide emotional relief, and you may find that others have faced similar challenges.
Communicate with Your Partner: If applicable, have an open and honest conversation with your partner about your feelings. Collaborate on finding solutions and sharing parenting responsibilities.
Set Realistic Expectations: Evaluate your expectations for yourself and your children. It’s important to set realistic goals and understand that perfection is not achievable in parenting.
Prioritize Self-Care: Take time for self-care activities that recharge you mentally and physically. This could include exercise, hobbies, reading, or simply taking a break when needed.
Consider Professional Help: Working with a counselor or coach can provide the support and arm you with new tools and parenting strategies.
In the words of Amelia Bambetti on raising children,
“Our job is too difficult and too beautiful to do alone.”