I realized I needed to take a pause when I started stumbling while walking—something completely out of character for me. But instead of slowing down, I ignored the signs and ended up falling, splitting my chin open in the process.
My kids began to notice my diminishing short-term memory. I’d walk into a room and forget why I was there, which had started happening since I became a parent. Even mundane tasks like depositing a check or vacuuming felt overwhelmingly daunting. A friend suggested I might be experiencing burnout, but I brushed it off. After all, I wasn’t working 60-hour weeks or training for a marathon—plenty of people manage to juggle more and still function. Maybe I just needed to push myself harder.
That perspective shifted one day when I found myself sitting on the bathroom floor, staring at a pile of laundry my daughter had promised to fold. The sight alone made me burst into tears, almost to the point of vomiting. That moment was my breaking point.
I knew it was irrational—after all, we were talking about clean clothes that someone else was supposed to handle—but I couldn’t see the silver lining through my overwhelming emotions. Perhaps my friend was right: I might actually be burnt out.
The next day, I came down with an illness that spread through my family. My body demanded a break, forcing me to clear my calendar and slow down. I skipped exercise, took time off work, and let the mess accumulate. For the first time in ages, I slept ten hours straight, a luxury I had forgotten.
From that week and a half of taking it slow, I learned that hitting a wall doesn’t always manifest as a dramatic collapse. There are subtler signs, like irritability, forgetfulness, and even a loss of appetite. We often ignore these cues, thinking we can just push through the day and promise ourselves to slow down later. The truth is, we should pay attention to those early signals to avoid a full-blown meltdown.
I’m aware it’s easier said than done—I often fall into the trap of feeling like a martyr. I agree to everything my kids ask for and take on extra commitments, only to end up resentful, complaining, and exhausted. But I’ve realized that I can’t keep living like that.
There’s no need to push ourselves to the point of suffering, as our health and family relationships inevitably pay the price. It’s much easier to support our loved ones when we are attuned to our own needs.
So, the next time you feel compelled to keep going despite feeling mentally foggy or uninterested in activities you once loved, consider this: Dr. Emily Carter, a licensed clinical psychologist, explains that burnout is a useful term for the feeling of having reached your limit. Even though there’s a growing recognition that mothers shouldn’t have to do it all, societal pressures still linger, making it hard to shake the belief that being constantly available defines our worth as parents.
Research indicates that nearly 13% of parents experience significant burnout. So, let’s stop running on empty when we desperately need a tune-up.
I’ve learned not to care about how others perceive me. I’m my own worst critic, and the voice in my head often tells me I can handle everything, no matter how overwhelming it becomes. Dr. Carter emphasizes that parenting is one of the toughest challenges out there. In our modern world, where we’re isolated with our kids, we wear multiple hats—nurses, teachers, emotional support, and disciplinarians.
Recognizing when you need a break is not a sign of weakness; it’s an acknowledgment of what you need to be a better parent and person. Waiting until you’re at your wit’s end is not the way to live.
Burnout can manifest in many ways: feeling anxious or depressed, losing interest in things you once enjoyed, or feeling restless. I relate to all of this, and I’m sure many of you do too. We often push through, thinking we’ll be fine, but how often do we genuinely feel okay when we ignore our limits?
Dr. Carter advises seeking therapy, investing time in relationships outside of our parenting roles, sleeping more, and incorporating exercise into our routines. Instead of viewing a break as slacking off, recognize it as a necessary step to avoid spiraling into anxiety and irritability.
We often don’t realize how badly we need to say “no” or step back until it’s too late. Being aware of our limits has helped me understand that I’m not superwoman, nor do I want to be anymore.
The payoff has been significant: I sleep better, I’m a more present mother, and I’ve avoided that suffocating sense of overwhelm. I literally fell apart from exhaustion, and now I carry the scar as a reminder.
I refuse to revert to my old ways, even if that means others think I’m lazy or unhelpful. My mental health is benefiting from my newfound boundaries.
For more insights on parental burnout and well-being, check out this blog post and learn more about self-care at Intracervical Insemination. Additionally, the CDC offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Parental burnout is a real issue that often goes unnoticed until it reaches critical levels. By recognizing early signs and prioritizing self-care, parents can prevent overwhelming feelings and maintain their well-being, ultimately benefiting both themselves and their families.