Single parenting has become increasingly common, and the psychological effects of being a single mother, father, or caregiver can be significant. Single parents often face unique stresses, which can often contribute to feelings of exhaustion.
The mental load of single parenting
The term ‘mental load’ has increased in popularity over the last few years as we finally start to understand the toll that being responsible for the day to day running of a family can have. Single parents often carry a significant mental load, juggling the responsibilities of parenting, household management, and often work, all on their own. From making all the decisions on their own to managing the day-to-day responsibilities of running a household and caring for their children, the mental load of single parenting can be overwhelming. This can lead to burnout and stress, making self-care and support from others crucial.
Single Parent Burnout Symptoms
Single Parent Burnout often has 3 distinct characteristics:
Overwhelming tiredness or exhaustion, physical and mental.
A feeling of emotional distance or detachment from your child/children.
A feeling of inadequacy. Perhaps feeling you are not enough for your child.
Effects of Stress on Single Parents
When left unchecked, stress can become chronic and detrimental to your well-being. It can also have a negative impact on your physical and emotional health. The effects of stress are different for everyone, but there are some common problems that many single parents may face.
Some of the physical and emotional health effects of stress you might experience include:
Irritibility, anxiety, depression
Decreased immune function and lead to frequent illness
Lower motivation and creativity
Decreased energy and productivity
Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, physical aches and pains, and dizziness
Gastrointestinal and digestive problems
Sleep problems
Changes in mood or appetite
How Counselling Can Help
Counselling can have many benefits for for single parents, who face unique challenges related to mental health, parenting, and self-care. It often provides a supportive environment to address challenges like stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Counselling can help clients develop resilience when managing various parental challenges while providing care and emotional support for their children.
Having a warm, friendly and safe place to chat about your concerns from a solution focussed perspective can be one the most empowering things you can do to propel yourself and your family forward.
Carrying the weight of the mental load of single parenting can feel overwhelming at times. Counselling can not only allow you to vent about the challenges of single parenting but teach skills such as self-compassion. Self compassion can help with resilience and allow ourselves grace. It can help us be kinder to ourselves when we forget a dentist appointment or have a messy house. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can also be useful to help us when we are feeling emotions such as guilt, which is common amoung single parents. Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) can be helpful to help brainstorm ideas and come up with solutions for challenges as they arise.
Seeking support isn't a sign of weakness—you need to take care of yourself so you can be there for your kids. It's like putting on your own oxygen mask first before helping others on a plane. When you're happier and less stressed, you can be a better parent and enjoy life more. At Thrive Counselling Solutions Adelaide Carly offers a significantly discounted rate to those on the Single Parent Pension (SPP). Contact Carly today if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment.
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