Unusual Mom Burnout Symptoms That Are Quite Common

Mom burnout is a reality. Don’t brush it aside or sweep it under a rug. Take these symptoms into consideration and recognize if you have a need. You deserve to be healthy, happy, and enjoying every moment of this season of motherhood.

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We often experience burnout long before we realize it.

At times when I’ve been at my worst, I lived in a twilight state of lala land. In some type of traumatic fog where I seemed to be floating in the sky… and yet everyone needed dinner and I had to cook it.

I think you can relate. Burnout is hard to heal because it requires time and energy and time and energy are usually on lo supply which is why we end up in burnout.

But there’s hope, so let’s dive into the weird symptoms.

Chronic Stress & Exhaustion

This is just like the workplace syndrome called burnout.

First of all, motherhood is a full time job in itself. But consider the mom who also works outside the home… and then comes home to “work”. There’s absolutely no room for resting and recharging.

You may be experiencing mom burnout if you’re chronically stressed and tired.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working mom… you’re likely to experience mom burnout at some point. There’s no exact formula that causes it and no exact formula that fixes it. However, knowing the symptoms can help.

Living with a Short Fuse

For me, it’s a “sure fire” burn out situation when it doesn’t take anything for me to come unglued. Like, mental exhaustion and overwhelming emotions just pile up until BANG.

If you find yourself living in a continual state of short tempered outbursts…. it’s time to check your angry mom checklist.

Living with a short fuse is a sign that some things just aren’t working out for you. Maybe some minor (or major) adjustments need to be made to eliminate the mom burnout.

Your Emotional Bucket is Empty

Compassion, empathy, loving-kindness, etc…..

Do you find that you can’t seem to pull those things up naturally (like you used to)? This could be because you’re totally burnt out. It’s like this:

You can’t give to others when you are empty yourself.

Above all, taking some time each day to “refill” your emotional bucket is just necessary for a mother’s emotional sanity. I mean, you’re not a robot, right?

Losing Confidence in Yourself

Feelings of inadequacy are an inevitable part of motherhood. Scratch that.

It’s an inevitable part of “humanhood.” Is that a word?

I’m not talking about just the normal questioning your abilities, because we have all been there. When you’re experiencing mom burnout, your self-confidence can hit rock bottom.

You may find yourself:

• Unable to make simple discussions.
• Apologizing for unnecessary things.
• Crying over “spilled milk.”
• Making harsh accusations of others.
• Questioning how others can love you.
• Wanting to escape all the time.

Experiencing Regret

Regret can be a heathy way to deal with past mistakes. It can make us stronger and prevent us from going down “that road” again.

At any rate, when mom burn out is involved, regret can take on a darker form.

For some, regret can swallow you up in dark nights and hallow emotions. It can completely control thoughts, fears, and steal your joy.

Regret can be a thief.

Maybe something you said that nobody even remembers, but you do. It can even go as far as making you wish you never had children. I recommend talking with someone about these feelings. Don’t bottle them up and lose nights of sleep.

You’re not alone in this struggle.

All You Want to Do is Run Away

We’ve all been there. It could be a little thing or a big thing that sets us off. You need to worry about mom burnout when you stay in this place of “flight”… or find yourself in this state often.

It’s time to set some boundaries and stick to them.

If you don’t feel safe in your own home, can’t relax because others are not allowing it, or feel like you’re a victim of your circumstances, it’s time to get boundaries.

I wrote a whole book on this.

Shutting Yourself Off From Others

Isolation is not the answer. Don’t get me wrong, having alone time is necessary. This is true especially if you have an introverted personality.

Rest and re-charge is different than isolation.

Isolation is hiding from others because you’re emotionally detached and mentally drained. As moms, we get here because we close everything up inside. We blame ourselves for everything and continually take on the world alone.

Besides, having an outlet where you can vent, laugh, talk it out, and be around other (healthy and wise) adults is super important.

“Mombie” Symptoms Can Indicate Mom Burnout

Have you every went through a day (or maybe even a week) with no recollection of what happened?

Like “where did that time go” and “what did I even do?”

Yep… welcome to the “Mombie” life.

Sometimes when life gets so overwhelming, the way we cope is just by going through the motions. Like we’re on cruise control.

So, when you find yourself living in a mombie state continually, it may be time to pinch yourself. What can you do to break the time up some and find yourself again?

Your Health Deteriorates

Stress is not just a mental thing. It affects all areas of our life, including our physical health.

Your heart, lungs, brain, bodily functions, and even skin are affected by stress.

Being a mom is no joke. It’s like you’re in the trenches, really.

When you feel progressively worse physically….. unable to do what you used to do. And, you’re a mom- it’s probably related somehow. I’m not talking about being seriously ill and in need of a doctor.

Check these indicators:

• How are you sleeping?
• Have you taken your nutrition into consideration?
• Having anxiety attacks?
• Are you taking quiet time for yourself?
• Did you drop your work-out routine?
• How much time are you spending in fresh air?

Relationship Issues Arise

A disconnection from others whom you love is one of the hardest truths about mom burnout. It’s also one of the most devastating ones. It may be your relationship with your husband or with your children.

Likely, when you’re severely burned out, it affects all relationships except the ones you view as a lifeline to your sanity.

All I can say is try to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It won’t always be this way.

Recognize that relationship issues can stem out of burn out. Dealing with the burnout can help the relationships. Shaming yourself for feeling bad, however, won’t help.

Extreme Highs & Lows and Indicate Mom Burnout

Emotional rage is absolutely no fun. And, experiencing extreme highs and lows can lead to many other issues.

So, if you find yourself swaying back and forth- it may be time to consider mom burn out. What can you do to balance your life back?

• Take some time for yourself each day.
• Pick up a hobby that brings you balance and joy.
• Talk about how you’re feeling with someone who loves and cares.
• Balance your diet and remove unnecessary sugars/caffeine
• Set some healthy boundaries between you and your kids.
• Seek out opportunities to show gratitude.