Motherhood is a beautiful, rewarding journey–but it’s also one of the most challenging roles many women will ever face. If you’re a mom of young children, like two little girls ages 5 and 3, you probably know this all too well. You might feel exhausted, emotionally drained, and overwhelmed by the constant demands on your time and energy. Maybe you feel empty inside like you’re just getting through the day rather than truly living it. You might find yourself yelling at your kids and then feeling guilty afterward. You’re not alone.
This post is for you: the real moms who are struggling but still showing up every day. Let’s have some honest, compassionate, and practical real talk about what it means to be a mom right now, how to recognize the signs of burnout, and ways to reclaim your well-being without guilt.
The Real Struggles of Mom Life
You might be thinking, “I’m failing my kids,” or “I can’t do anything right.” These feelings are common among moms, especially when juggling toddlers and preschoolers who test every limit. The truth is, motherhood is demanding, and feeling like your cup is empty is a sign that you need to pause and care for yourself–not that you’re a bad mom.
Feeling Empty and Overwhelmed
It’s normal to feel emotionally depleted when your days are filled with constant noise, messes, and the pressure to be “on” all the time. Moms often describe feeling like they’re just surviving rather than thriving. You might feel like everything triggers you, and you’re always on edge, ready to snap. This emotional exhaustion is a classic sign of mom burnout.
The Cycle of Yelling and Guilt
When kids don’t listen, it can feel like your patience runs out quickly. Yelling may happen, but then the guilt kicks in. You love your children deeply, and the last thing you want is to hurt them emotionally. This cycle of frustration and guilt can leave you feeling stuck and hopeless.
Too Many Demands, Too Little Time
Between managing meals, naps, playtime, household chores, and possibly work, there’s barely a moment left for yourself. The constant demands on your time and energy can make you feel invisible and unheard.
Recognizing Mom Burnout: Signs You Might Be Experiencing It
Mom burnout is a state of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion specifically related to parenting.
Here are some signs of mom burnout to watch for:
- Extreme fatigue even after sleeping or napping
- Feeling like a bad mom or like you’re failing your children
- Experiencing mom rage-short temper, irritability, mood swings
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from your kids or life
- Feeling isolated despite being surrounded by family
- Having limited patience and snapping easily
- Questioning your choices or feeling regret about motherhood
- Struggling with productivity and completing daily tasks
If these sound familiar, it’s a sign that your mental health needs attention and care.
Why You’re Feeling This Way: The Roots of Mom Stress
Motherhood comes with unrealistic expectations-being the perfect caregiver, managing everything flawlessly, and never asking for help. These pressures create what’s called “mom guilt,” the feeling that you’re not doing enough or that taking time for yourself is selfish. Many moms also face isolation, especially if they are stay-at-home parents or don’t have a strong support system nearby. Feeling disconnected from your partner or friends can deepen the sense of loneliness.
Finally, the emotional toll of managing your children’s needs while suppressing your own can lead to chronic stress and burnout.
Real Talk: What Helps When You’re Feeling Empty and Overwhelmed
1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel What You’re Feeling
It’s okay to admit that momming ain’t easy. Feeling empty, frustrated, or tired doesn’t make you a bad mom-it makes you human. Recognizing and naming your feelings is the first step toward healing.
2. Practice Small Acts of Self-Care
Self-care doesn’t have to mean elaborate spa days or hours away from your kids. It can be as simple as:
- Taking a 10-minute walk with your kids while listening to calming music or an audiobook
- Enjoying a hobby during nap time, even if it’s just for 20 minutes
- Setting aside a few minutes for deep breathing or mindfulness to reset your mood
- Saying “no” to extra commitments that drain your energy
Remember, there’s no wrong way to practice self-care-any act that helps refill your cup counts.
3. Build a Support System
Whether it’s online parenting forums, local mom groups, or trusted friends and family, having a community where you can vent, share, and find reassurance is invaluable. Many moms find comfort in knowing they’re not alone in their struggles.
4. Set Realistic Expectations and Boundaries
You don’t have to do it all perfectly. Setting boundaries around your time and energy protects you from burnout. This might mean:
- Asking your partner or family for help with childcare or chores
- Prioritizing tasks and letting go of less important ones
- Accepting that some days will be messier or more chaotic than others
5. Seek Professional Help When Needed
Therapy can be a powerful tool for moms feeling overwhelmed. Different approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, or even couples therapy can help you manage stress, work through mom guilt, and improve your emotional well-being.
Examples from Real Moms: You’re Not Alone
- A mom of two young girls shared how she felt like she was “just getting through the day” and constantly on edge. She started taking short walks with her kids while listening to worship music, which helped her feel more grounded and less isolated.
- Another mom described feeling guilty after yelling at her kids but found that journaling about her feelings during nap time helped her process emotions and reduce guilt.
- Moms in online forums often express relief when they realize other mothers feel the same exhaustion and frustration. These communities provide a judgment-free zone to share struggles and advice.
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint. Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or empty doesn’t mean you’re failing-it means you’re human and in need of care and support. By recognizing the signs of burnout, practicing self-compassion, and reaching out for help, you can find balance and joy in your mom journey.
Start Therapy in the St. Louis Area
At Marble Wellness, we understand the unique challenges moms face. If you’re a mom feeling overwhelmed or stuck, consider reaching out for support. You deserve care, compassion, and a safe space to be your authentic self. Not only do we have a team of therapists in Ballwin, MO, but we have also recently expanded to serve the Lake St. Louis and Wentzville area! Reach out to our Client Care Coordinator today to discuss your therapy options, both in-person and via online therapy in Missouri.
Contact Us!
Learn About Our Group Offerings
Additional Counseling Services at Marble Wellness in St. Louis, MO
Marble Wellness Counseling services are designed to help set you on a path of living a more fulfilled, calm, and happy life. Our St. Louis area therapists have a variety of training backgrounds and areas of expertise. We specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, therapy for men, couples, and maternal overwhelm. Our practice also helps new moms with various postpartum concerns, moms in the thick of parenting, and moms with teens. We can also chat from wherever you are in the state with online therapy in Missouri. No matter where you are in your journey, we are here to help you thrive!
