New research suggests that working moms have lower rates of depression than stay-at-home moms. But those working moms could be at greater risk for depression if they try to be a supermom.
Working moms who know they have to let go of some aspects of their career or parenting to achieve a work-life balance have a realistic view and are less depressed.
Working moms who expressed a supermom attitude that work and home lives can be blended with relative ease showed higher levels of depression symptoms.
Of course! Women who think they can “do it all” can only keep up for so long… trying to juggle everything with ‘perfection’ will only burn you out and make you feel inadequate.
The research showed stay-at-home moms had more depression symptoms than the working moms in the study, which agrees with findings from other studies.
I can see that – women who stay at home are more isolated. They don’t have the adult stimulation they would at the workplace. They don’t have to get dressed and get of the house. Being confined to the same four walls day in, day out – can definitely have some negative effects.
When we strive for more it’s wonderful – but the key to this study is that we all need BALANCE.
Whether you stay at home or work, there has to be a balance between work life and family life. Period.
6 Comments
I can honestly say I am a stay-at-home mom and I have never been happier! But in order to protect and preserve my mental health I need to make an effort! That means for me, getting out of the house with the kids for activities and socializing most days of the week! It also means doing something for just me when the kids have gone to bed. Basically I just want it to be known that stay-at-home moms are not doomed to depression! It can be done if it is truly what mommy wants!
Yes Kelly, that’s the key – to make that extra effort to ensure that you maintain a balance. My guess is that those who are unable to achieve that balance at home can be prone to depression. Thanks for commenting!
Yes. BALANCE is the key to enjoy all aspects in life. Trying to be perfect at two things is really hard, just enjoy every moment because that is the only best way to battle depression. This post might serve a call to all who’s struggling depression.
I very much agree, which is why I write about this subject on my blog. Far too many women, even stay-at-home moms try to be Superwoman or Wonder Woman. Only when they can learn to choose the most important things in their life and stop worrying about what everyone else thinks can they begin to have the needed balance.
Bernice
Balance is really important in a humans life. Not having balance gives allot of stress, and lets be honest, nobody needs stress. Very nice post.
I am a single mom who works full time but I at times find I get depressed because I don’t always have someone around I can depend on to give me a mommy break to do some things to help improve my overall well-being. Luckily I have been able to get my son to take up running with me so I don’t feel trapped at home all day long on the weekends and evenings after work.