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 when facing parental burnout syndrome: only a well-supported mother can support others.
The Daily Life of Mom Burnout: When Physical and Mental Health Suffers
As primary caregivers, many moms carry beliefs from childhood: "Others' needs are more important than mine," "A good mother puts herself last," "I must always function." These beliefs lead to chronic stress and mood swings as we juggle being a working mom while managing household chores. When emotional regulation becomes challenging, physical symptoms often follow. The cycle begins as we fight all day to ensure our child's well-being, ignore our own needs, and by evening, we're just too tired to function.
When Feeling Tired Becomes Your Every Day Reality
Especially mothers of neurodivergent children, such as those with PDA, know what it means to be struggling with parental burnout. Their children often need more support, more presence, more understanding. But how can we manage daily stress when our energy tank is empty? How can we maintain a strong support system when household tasks overwhelm us? How can we foster autonomy when we feel depleted - when you can't even yourself stay regulated? The truth is: