In recent years, the phrase "self-care" has become the go to piece of advice, as the remedy for various forms of burnout. However, when it comes to moms experiencing burnout, the concept of self-care as a solution is losing traction.
While self-care is undoubtedly valuable, its promotion as the primary solution to maternal burnout overlooks deeper systemic issues. It also perpetuates unrealistic expectations. Let's dig a little deeper into why we often tell moms that self-care is the antidote to burnout and explore a more an approach from several fronts on how to support maternal well-being.
The Pressure on Moms:
From societal expectations to internalized standards of perfection, mothers often find themselves shouldering a lot of amount of pressure. The modern ideal of the "supermom" who effortlessly balances career, family, and personal fulfillment is overwhelming and unrealistic, because no one can't do it all.
All you have to do get on any social media platform to see the sheer number of women expressing how the pressure of motherhood is detrimentally effecting their well-being. Married, single and divorced mothers everywhere are sounding the alarm in their own lives to raise awareness and create dialogue about the lack of spousall and familial support. They are also pointing to a bigger issue about the lack of affordable childcare options and workplace flexibility that exacerbates the situation.
Self-care and community care are one in the same.
The Rise of Self-Care:
As awareness around mental health and well-being has grown, so has the emphasis on self-care practices. Encouraging individuals to prioritize activities that nurture their physical, emotional, and mental health is undoubtedly beneficial. However, the commodification of self-care place additional pressure on mothers. To imply that burnout is primarily an individual problem that can be solved through self-care overlooks the structural barriers and systemic inequalities that contribute to maternal stress and exhaustion.
No amount self-care routines can eliminate burnout. Spousal, family and community support are crucial to the well-being of mothers.
The Limitations of Self-Care:
While self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, or leisurely pursuits can provide temporary relief from stress, they do not address the root causes of maternal burnout. Moms facing burnout often require more comprehensive support systems, including access to affordable healthcare, flexible work arrangements, and equitable distribution of caregiving responsibilities within the family unit. Focusing solely on self-care without addressing these underlying issue does not facilitate healing or prevent future harm.
A Holistic Approach to Maternal Well-being:
To truly support moms experiencing burnout, we must adopt a more holistic approach that acknowledges the multifaceted nature of their experiences. This approach involves:
1. Recognizing and challenging societal norms and expectations that contribute to maternal burnout.
2. Advocating for policies and initiatives that provide tangible support to mothers, such as paid parental leave, affordable childcare, and workplace accommodations.
3. Encouraging open dialogue and destigmatizing discussions around maternal mental health.
4. Providing access to comprehensive healthcare services, including mental health resources and support groups tailored to the needs of mothers.
5. Empowering mothers to prioritize their well-being without guilt or shame, recognizing that self-care is just one piece of the puzzle.
While self-care undoubtedly plays a role in promoting maternal well-being, it is not a cure-all for burnout. Shifting the narrative away from individual responsibility towards systemic change and collective support, can create a more inclusive and equitable society where all mothers can thrive.