According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly half of mothers stayed home full time in the late 1960s. By 1999, the number of stay-at-home mothers dropped to just 23%. Since then, the percentage of mothers who stay home to care for their kids has risen and fallen. Though the stigma against working moms has lessened, there are still plenty of factors that make life challenging for professional moms.
The monthly cost of childcare services continues to rise, making it nearly impossible for many moms to make a good living. There’s also the last-minute juggling act working moms must perform when a child gets sick and has to be picked up from daycare or school. And, of course, there’s the guilt that comes from wondering if you’re spending too much time at work and not enough time with your kids. No wonder many moms feel anxious, depressed, and dissatisfied with life! Here’s why online therapy is a game-changer for women trying to balance motherhood, career, and mental health.
Why Working Moms Struggle With Mental Health
According to a 2022 poll commissioned by CVS Health®, approximately 42% of working mothers have diagnosed depression or anxiety (or both). That’s higher than the 28% diagnosis rate among the general population. When working moms return home after dealing with the stresses of work, their work isn’t done. They’re often primarily responsible for taking care of the kids, tidying up, and making meals when they’re home. They also tend to care for themselves last.
Unfortunately, Harris Poll data reveals working mothers are less likely than all other groups to seek mental health help. This might be due to embarrassment, lack of time, or exhaustion at the thought of adding one more thing to their plate. If more mothers prioritized their mental wellness, they might be less prone to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
How Online Therapy Can Be a Game-Changer for Moms
Going to a therapist might be too cost- or time-prohibitive for most professional mothers. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to get access to quality mental healthcare on your own terms. There’s a growing trend to get therapy online, without stepping a foot outside of your home. This removes obstacles for overwhelmed moms who feel guilty about leaving their family to drive to an in-person therapist. Here are a few ways online therapy can be a game-changer for working mothers.
It Saves Time
When you’re trying to balance work and responsibilities at home, there never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything done. Any extra time you manage to glean throughout the day can quickly get claimed by someone else. That’s one reason most moms feel like they can’t get the mental health help they need.
Since online therapy doesn’t involve commuting to and from an outside location, it’s a huge time-saver. Technically, you can talk or text with your therapist from any quiet place with an internet connection. Whether that’s in your bedroom, at the airport, or in the lunchroom at work, you’ll love the flexibility that comes with digital therapy.
It’s Private
The stigma surrounding mental health has largely declined in recent years. It’s much less embarrassing to talk to a therapist now than it was just a decade ago. However, it’s still common for working moms to feel embarrassed about needing extra mental health help. Some would rather go without therapy than risk having a neighbor or coworker find out they’re receiving it.
If the thought of being spotted walking into a therapist’s office makes you anxious, online therapy may be the perfect solution. Since you don’t have to travel to a therapist’s office, there’s no risk of prying eyes seeing what you’re doing. Your at-home sessions will remain totally private.
It’s Cost-Effective
Professional moms living paycheck to paycheck may think receiving mental health services is selfish. This couldn’t be further from the truth, especially since it’s easier to take care of your family when you first take care of yourself. Nevertheless, budget-stretching mothers often warmly welcome any opportunity to achieve affordable mental health care.
Online therapy tends to cost less per session than in-person therapy. When you factor in the additional cost savings of not having to commute or put wear and tear on your vehicle, it becomes even more affordable.
It Offers Parenting Support
Working moms need all the help they can get to balance responsibilities and expectations at home and at work. Online therapists are just as knowledgeable and skilled at their craft as in-person therapists. They can offer the tools, resources, and support necessary to balance overwhelming demands without sacrificing your own mental wellness.
A therapist can listen with understanding and empathy, provide unbiased opinions, and comfort clients. They can also teach cognitive, communicative, and emotional skills to help mothers find fulfillment in their busy lives. Finally, a good therapist can assess and diagnose mental health conditions and recommend treatment options or make referrals to other medical professionals.
Conclusion
Working moms are valuable members of society who are too often overburdened, overwhelmed, and overstimulated. If you’re a mother who’s trying to balance motherhood, career, and mental health, consider scheduling an online therapy session. Receiving the care you need will help you avoid burnout and have the energy you need to take care of your family and work responsibilities.
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