It’s no secret that being a single mom is tough. Not only do you have to juggle all of the responsibilities that come with being a parent, but you also have to do it without the help of a partner. It’s no wonder that so many single moms struggle with depression and other mental health issues. I suffered from depression for over 20 years before I got help. I hope you won’t wait that long!
But how do does a single mom fall into depression in the first place? Here are a few reasons.
5 Reasons single moms suffer from depression
1. Being isolated and alone
Single moms often feel isolated and alone, especially if they don’t have a strong support system of family and friends. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.
2. Financial stress
Single moms often have a lot of financial stress, which can lead to depression. You are financially responsible for everything from household expenses to children’s needs. The stress from not having enough money to cover everything can be overwhelming.
3. Exhaustion
Single moms often feel exhausted due to the demands of parenting and working. This can lead to depression.
4. Lack of me time
Single moms often have very little time for themselves, which can lead to depression. From the time you wake up to the time you fall asleep you are probably running around taking care of other people’s needs. There is rarely time for your needs or even time to breathe.
5. Relationship failure
Single moms often suffer from post-relationship stress disorder (did I make that up?). Divorcing or breaking up with a partner can be devastating on many levels. Especially if the relationship was physically and/or emotionally abusive.
Getting Help When You are Depressed
There are two traditional ways to get depression help when you are a single mom:
1. Talk to your doctor
If you are feeling depressed, make an appointment to see your doctor. They can help you figure out if your depression is due to a medical condition, and if so, they can prescribe medication to help.
2. See a therapist:
A therapist can help you work through the emotions you are currently experiencing. You may feel a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, anxiety, and guilt. It is important to talk about these emotions with someone who can help you understand and manage them. There are quite a few online options for therapy that accept insurance these days if finding a sitter is a struggle
4 Ways to Manage Depression as a Single Mom
If you’re a single mom struggling with depression and mental health issues, it’s important to seek help. There are many resources, both brick and mortar and online therapy, available to help you get the treatment you need. You don’t have to go through this alone. Taking care of yourself is important, so make time for activities that make you happy and help you relax. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercise can also help improve your mood and mental health.
But getting depression help when juggling kids, work, the ex, and school can be difficult. Finding time to take care of yourself feels impossible, and this can lead to feelings of depression. If you are a single mom struggling to manage everything, it is important to seek out help. While you are working through the causes of depression here are four practices you can start doing today:
1. Practice emotional self-care
As a single mom, it’s easy to put your own needs last. But if you don’t take care of yourself, it’s hard to take care of your kids. Make sure to schedule some time for yourself every day, even if it’s just a few minutes. Exercise, eat healthy, and get enough sleep. Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself time and space to express them through a good cry, journaling, or talking with a trusted friend. Keeping your feelings bottled up is unhealthy and can be self-destructive. It can lead to blow-ups and often the unintended people on the receiving end are our children.
2. Practice financial self-care
Mental health for single moms is extremely important. One way to help take care of your mental health is to practice financial self-care. This means creating and sticking to a budget, setting aside money for yourself, and not beating yourself up over small financial mistakes. When you take care of your finances, you help reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve your overall mental health. Practice financial self-care by setting aside money each month to save, investing in yourself through education and planning for your future.
3. Prioritize your rest
Rest heals your body from burnout and exhaustion . You need to be in the best shape possible to take care of your kids. That means getting enough sleep. Set a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. If you can, take a nap during the day to recharge.
4. Carve out time for yourself daily
As a single mom, it’s important to carve out time for yourself every day. This can be hard to do when you’re constantly taking care of others, but it’s crucial for your mental health. Make sure to schedule in some “me time” every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. During this time, you can do something that makes you happy and relaxed, such as reading, listening to music, or taking a bath.
Final thoughts about Single Mom Depression
As a single mom, you may be prone to depression and other mental health issues. It’s important to take care of yourself emotionally as well as physically. Consider therapy or counseling to help you deal with your emotions in a healthy way. You may also want to join a support group for single moms. Taking care of yourself will help you be a better mom to your children and a better person for yourself.
Self-care looks like different things for different people. No matter how you view self-care, the important thing is to make it a normal part of your your routine. Curious to know what is your self-care style? Take this quiz I created to find out now.
Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com. Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms. She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.