Do you know the safety instructions on airplanes? In an emergency, put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others. This rule might seem selfish at first, but it's vital for survival. Because only those who can breathe have the strength to help others - and the same principle applies to exhausted mom self-care: only a well-supported mother can support others.
Many of us carry beliefs from childhood: "Others' needs are more important than mine," "A good mother puts herself last," "I must always function." These beliefs lead us to completely deplete ourselves. We fight all day to ensure our children's well-being, ignore our own needs, and by evening, we're just an exhausted shadow of ourselves.
No More Martyrdrom: You Deserve Support
Especially mothers of neurodivergent children, such as those with PDA, know this exhaustion. Their children often need more support, more presence, more understanding. But how can we provide this intensive support when our own energy tank is empty? How can we offer connection when our own attachment tank is depleted? How can we foster autonomy when we have none left ourselves? The truth is: