Single motherhood is definitely on the rise and has become an accepted norm in the United States. Although divorce is one of the main events that leads to single parenthood, there is also a majority of single mothers in the US stemming from pregnancy outside of wedlock.
The therapists at Colorado Women’s Center are very passionate about helping women find security and balance in the midst of burnout feelings that often accompany raising children by themselves.
There are many people who get married, have children, get divorced, and then split custody. In essence, they become single-parent families because they are caring for their children without social support on the days that they have them. This can be really hard, especially when you are used to co-parenting.
In addition, there is the element of inconsistency and unresolved feelings from the marital separation that will leave everyone with heartache and pain.
Building a Strong Support System
Another situation involving single parenting is when a parent dies, leaving the other parent alone to raise the child. Or, perhaps the most common is when there was never a marriage and the mother became pregnant unexpectedly. These situations almost always involve the mother raising the child completely on her own.
When you think of the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child”, your heart will go out to any woman doing this job alone. We are meant to raise our children in community, and when a woman is left with little support (such as the absence of their dad, family members, or other caregivers), she will encounter one of the most unique challenges and selfless journeys of her life.
Raising a child on your own is filled with intense emotions. There is such a profound love and connection present; however, the fears are equal in intensity. Financial worries, lack of time, neglect of your own needs, and constant energy are a very real part of this process.
Finding Support Through Therapy for Single Mothers
Many single moms also suffer from mental health issues like anxiety, burnout, postpartum depression, loneliness, perfectionism, and low self-esteem. After all, they are solely responsible for taking on the greatest job of mankind. And knowing a love so great and being solely responsible for nurturing and protecting it can be terrifying. The “what if” thoughts can be all-consuming, and many single mothers will second guess their parenting skills.
Everything changes when you become a mother, and if you are doing it alone, your entire life will revolve around what’s best for your child. The moments that are solely yours become a distant memory, and your day-to-day life gets engulfed by thoughts of someone else. Yet, in all of its pain, there is a reward so great that many mothers are able to carry on.
The bond between a child and a single mother is one of the strongest bonds that a human can experience. They become symbiotic–growing, surviving, and benefiting from each other. And this connection will be there forever.
The Importance of Self-Care for Your Mental Health
Are you a single mother? Are you raising your child completely alone? Are you involved in a custody arrangement where you are, at times, solely responsible for your child? The mental health professionals at Colorado Women’s Center can help you find peace with your situation. We can be a place of support for you while you process the important demands and transitions of your life.
If you are a part-time or full-time single mother, you have most likely experienced moments where you feel as though you can’t possibly go on. These are the moments that bring you to the floor begging to some higher power for a way out of the intense demands of single motherhood. Please know that there is support!
We can help you include practices that work toward greater well-being by discovering the benefits of self-care, having a support system, setting boundaries, journaling, and having dedicated personal time. We can talk about your dreams for yourself and your children and work on making those happen! You can find acceptance of your situation and turn it around so that it becomes the most empowering experience of your life!By learning to prioritize both your well-being and your child’s needs, you can navigate this journey with more ease. It may feel like you are alone, but I promise you are not! Seeking support for your mental health care can make a significant difference.
