I have a degree in psychology and know the benefits of therapy but for some reason my first experience in front of a therapist wasn’t until I was 36 years old. To be honest, I am not sure why…like I said, I know the benefits of therapy. Maybe it is the stigma that is associated with therapy? Maybe it was the worry of what would come out of therapy? Maybe it was hard for me to admit that I needed therapy?
Time to break that stigma and talk about the elephant in the room. Moms need therapy too!
Why Moms Need To Invest In Therapy
As moms we often forget to take care of ourselves both physically and mentally. My 2019 goal is to be healthier in all areas of my life. While 2019 has had many challenges I do think that my goal for 2019 has been successful. Especially since I have decided to continue seeing a therapist. I think it is important for all moms to consider investing in therapy for many reasons. The role of MOM is an important one but also one that brings stress, heartache and constant worry.
Your Mental Health Matters
The words Mental Health seem to bring people anxiety and makes everyone uncomfortable. This is what we need to stop and one way to start that process it to make it clear that everyone’s mental health matters. That being said, in our society it is almost a necessity for moms to announce that they are tired, running on coffee, haven’t had time to themselves for years and sleeping is only for the weak. This is not healthy. Your child’s and your family’s mental health and well being is not more valuable than your own. This way of living is completely unhealthy. Your Mental Health Matters.
Motherhood Is Hard
Being a mom is the best, most rewarding job on the planet but let’s not forget it is also the hardest job on the planet. A therapist can help you find your way in this transition of being a mom especially as your children grow and transition themselves. As a mom you are constantly on call…and that brings a lot of uncertainty with how to deal with feelings and emotions.
Someone To Listen To YOU!
Mom, Mom, MOM!! How many times do you hear “Mom” in one day? How many questions do you answer a day? How many times do you find a solution for someone in your home a day? Think about all of the listening hours you have as a mother. SO MANY. Time to have someone listen to YOU! As a mom you are focused on everyone around you BUT YOU! It is not selfish to need an hour of the focus to be on YOU and only you. Very rarely do moms have the time to really sit down with another person and talk about me and/or ask myself how I am doing or feeling. Let a therapist be this person!
Motherhood Affects Everyone Around You
This is something I never thought about until recently. As I adjusted to being a mom I forgot how those adjustments and transitions would affect every other person around me. A therapist can help you communicate to others in your life about the new role you are taking on as a mother. Take care of your other family relationships and friendships. It is okay to take on this role as mom but do not forget how to communicate to those people in your life that might be feeling like your new self has eliminated them from the picture.
Self-Care Is More Than Getting Your Nails Done
Hey, I love a good salon visit but self-care is so much more than getting your nails done or taking a bubble bath. Motherhood is a life choice that, in no way, erases your humanity. You’re still a person, and as a person you deserve just as much self-care as anyone else. Enjoying that bubble bath or nail salon trip is important as well but adding some therapist time will help you from the inside out!
Outside Perspective
Ever wonder about what the bigger picture really is? Having a mental health professional help us moms see the bigger picture can really be a benefit. Therapy helps me see things from a different angle or point of view, and reflect on certain parts of my past and present in a way that makes me better equipped to process them.
Positive Example For Your Kids
Let’s jump back to the stigma of mental health. By you taking a step in the direction of making sure your mental health is taking care of your kids will begin to see that as well. This is a positive example to set for the kids of the future. They will see that you are taking steps to be healthy in every part of your life, and valuing yourself and your overall well being. Showing your kids that it’s okay to ask for help, to rely on someone else and to take moments whenever you can, to focus on yourself and only yourself.
Therapy Is Enlightening
We all make mistakes. Our perceptions of life in general can be skewed. Investing in therapy is a way to continue to grow, even as an adult. As a mom I’m responsible for my kiddos but I’m still learning and evolving and bettering myself.
