The silent struggle of motherhood

They say the work of a woman is never done; women are wearing more hats nowadays than ever before – but one that is theirs alone is the title of ‘mom’.

There are oftentimes unrealistic societal expectations of women, especially mothers, with more and more moms finding themselves feeling alone.

While the journey to motherhood can be a joyous time, it also signifies the end of your ‘old life’.

From physical changes to a lack of emotional support, some women feel like single mothers despite being married.

Here are 5 reasons motherhood can be a lonely road:

1. Hard time making friends: As the saying goes, ‘single people and married people cannot be friends’. The same goes with parenthood; people without children may not understand the demands of the mom life. With so much to juggle, from homework, work and household chores, many women would rather not add the stress of maintaining new friendships.

2. Lifestyle change: From being a certified ‘girl boss’ at the top of her career, and enjoying spontaneous trips or drinks with friends, your life does a complete 180. Spontaneity and parenthood cannot co-exist owing to the number of responsibilities.

3. Mom guilt: Many feel inadequate or ashamed for not being able to meet the needs and unrealistic expectations or mould of what a ‘good’ mother should look like.

4. Managing your expectations vs reality: The truth is, there is no blueprint to parenthood and, while you might have read all the books to fit the bill of a ‘picture perfect’ mom, realising that your parenting style may differ from those on the pages can be a tough pill to swallow and can often lead to an overwhelming ‘mom guilt’ spiral.

5. Burnout: Being a parent comes with no days off, so consistently trying to give 100% to everyone and everything can leave your social tank on empty.

I’ve struggled with anxiety since I was young and was able to get it under control fairly well in my 30’s… But since becoming a mom it’s been a real battle again. So much to worry about constantly plus the mom guilt of feeling I do nothing right…🫠😔

— Tianna (@tiannachantal) July 2, 2025

I love being a mom, but sometimes I feel like I just need a break. I want to go out and have fun, enjoy a little “me time”—but every time I think about it, the “mom guilt” kicks in. I start feeling sad just thinking about leaving my daughter at home… Idkkkk🥲🫠

— eya (@eahgirl_) June 26, 2025

I think as a wife/mom w/chronic illness, one thing I battle is feeling guilty when my body needs to rest. I feel like I should be doing things even when I know I can’t. It’s taken many years to give myself “permission” to rest without guilt. Any other ladies feel this way?

— Jessica (@HisBLoved1) June 19, 2025

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/10-reasons-motherhood-can-be-lonely-10-ways-to-cope-with-it/ss-AA1Fw4Yn#image=6

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