Q: I’m a 33-year-old working mom with two small children. My husband is supportive, everyone is healthy, and we have a good life. I know I should be happy, but I’m not. What’s wrong with me?
Life today moves at an extremely fast pace. No doubt the demands of work, being a mom and a wife leave very little time for just being you. Right now, I imagine you’re not even sure who “you” are – and that’s why I’d like to talk a bit about the importance of mental health. I’m sure you just recoiled a bit because the term mental health has a stigma attached to it, and that’s a real problem.
Good health is not just the absence of sickness – it’s about you as a whole person – you need a good balance between mind, body and spirit. Finding that balance can be difficult, especially when you’re feeling pulled in multiple directions. That’s where a good counselor or therapist can help. If you’re like most people, the idea of going to a therapist makes you feel slightly uncomfortable – but it shouldn’t. That’s just fear rearing its ugly head.
Many believe that seeing a therapist means you’re weak, crazy or just self-indulgent. Nothing could be further from the truth. Seeking out a therapist is an act of strength and empowerment. Think about it – we have doctors to keep our bodies healthy. Trainers to help us stay in shape. Nutritionists to help us eat well. Family and friends to support us – wait – aren’t they the best choice to help us sort out our problems? Not always. While a good support network is vital, friends and family are biased, and it can be difficult to be truly open and honest about what we are thinking and feeling. A therapist is a neutral professional who has the skills and expertise to help you identify issues and guide you to solutions.
Given that you’re a mother of young children, it’s possible there may be hormonal changes affecting your mood. Have your hormone balance checked. If you’re on birth control pills, I’d encourage you to explore non-oral birth control options like the Mirena or Skyla IUD. The pill can strip your system of testosterone, which can lead to mood disorders, weight gain and low libido.
No matter what’s going on, it’s always OK to see a therapist. Whether it’s short- or long-term, your therapist can help you learn more about yourself, improve coping skills, and offer impartial guidance and expertise so you can live a happier, healthier life. Lastly, don’t forget to take time just for yourself, even if it’s just a few hours each week. You’re worth it.
Are you experiencing symptoms like these? We can help. Call 480.619.4097 today.