What the surgeon general’s warning tells us that we already know!
I have already done a video on what the recent surgeon general’s warning entailed and how important this information is. It needs to be repeated everywhere!! So, here we go!
The surgeon general came out with a warning that 33% of parents are so stressed they aren’t functioning. This is due to overwhelming levels of stress and isolation, which breeds loneliness.
I don’t think you have to go too far in asking mothers especially if they are stressed or feel isolated and alone. Isn’t that what the first 6 months (at least) of motherhood is like? It really is a travesty that mothers essentially are told to do the HARDEST job in the world with little help or guidance, and that’s IF you have an involved, supportive and responsive partner. Don’t get me started on the inadequate 6-week postpartum checkup, often having to go back to working outside the home around 6-8 weeks or the abysmal care and guidance mothers are given when they say, “This is too much. I can’t do this.”
Moms are given advice like “sleep when the baby sleeps,” “enjoy it because they get big so fast,” or “you’ve got this!” Don’t get me started on this! Moms don’t need to hear this. They need to hear you say, “I hear you. I will be with you” and then go do things to help, anything. Do not wait for her to tell you what to do. Empty the dishwasher, clean the bathrooms, make a meal, go buy some groceries.
And..this overwhelm doesn’t end after postpartum. As a mom, ask yourself when is the last time you hung out with friends? When’s the last time to had uninterrupted time with a friend minus kids? Yep…you can see why there’s paramount levels of stress and loneliness.
The system needs to change. In the meantime, as moms we can work on ourselves in therapy. We can connect to ourselves again, make room for ourselves and process through our stuff. Once we do that the load doesn’t seem quite as heavy. It’s not perfect by any means, so the answer is yes, go call your mom friend and meet for coffee.
