Springfield Standard

Parenting is often described as a joyful and meaningful experience, but it also comes with significant exhaustion. The demands of caring for children, whether they are newborns or teenagers, are constant and extend beyond just sleep deprivation.

Parents manage a heavy mental and emotional load that remains largely unseen. They juggle roles such as scheduler, emotional anchor, cook, driver, and nurse—sometimes all within an hour. Even when the environment is quiet, their minds continue to plan and worry. This continuous responsibility can affect mental health over time.

Ra Suh, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Ozarks Community Hospital, emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's limits: “When we’ve reached our limit as parents, we are unable to be fully present for our families, much less ourselves,” she says. She advises parents to pause and evaluate what might be missing in their lives.

Chronic fatigue can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, depression, irritability, and isolation. These emotions make parenting more challenging by affecting patience and decision-making abilities.

To combat this exhaustion, small changes can have a positive impact on daily well-being. Suh suggests setting small and realistic goals: “Schedule it into your schedule like an appointment. It can be as little as 15 minutes per day.” Activities such as taking short walks or stretching, listening to music or podcasts, reading briefly, enjoying coffee quietly, or calling friends are practical ways to recharge.

Suh also stresses the importance of seeking support: “Be sure to talk with someone you trust about your challenges,” she advises. Sharing burdens can significantly help since humans are inherently social beings meant to support each other.

Acknowledging that mental health is crucial for both parents and children is essential. If overwhelmed or anxious feelings arise frequently, seeking help should not be delayed.

For more information on behavioral health services or scheduling appointments with Ra Suh or other providers nearby, visit ochonline.com.