Navigating Depression in the Role of a Single Motherhood
Single motherhood can present unique challenges, and one of the most significant is the increased risk of depression. This article aims to provide insights into the symptoms, causes, and potential solutions for depression in single mothers.
Symptoms of Depression in Single Mothers
Depression affects the way a person navigates the world, causing feelings like hopelessness or unexplained guilt. Common symptoms in single mothers can include low energy, trouble concentrating, persistent feelings of loneliness or hopelessness, loss of interest in socializing, feelings of guilt, impacted eating habits, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Causes and Risk Factors
Previous trauma can increase the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Stigma or judgment from others can also be a risk factor for depression in single mothers. Systemic issues, such as food insecurity and lack of resources, can disproportionately affect specific demographics, including people of Color, queer or LGBTQ+ individuals, and parents of children with disabilities.
Co-Parenting Challenges
Complex co-parenting situations can exacerbate depression in single mothers, as regularly seeing and communicating with an ex-partner might be difficult and may lead to uncomfortable feelings. Setting boundaries, such as making a written parenting plan, using mediators, keeping communication business-like, and arranging drop-offs and pickups at safe locations, can aid in easing these arrangements.
Building Support
Lack of support can contribute to depression in single moms. Having safe and trustworthy adults in one's life who are interested in lending support can be beneficial. Building support can involve asking loved ones for help, leaning on friends and family for emotional support, making new friends through apps or Meetup, and more.
Tapping into Support Groups
Tapping into support groups can provide emotional support and help feel less isolated. Support groups specifically tailored to single mothers, such as Empowering Solo Moms Everywhere (ESME), can be particularly beneficial. A simple phone call can positively counteract isolation, according to a study.
Mental Health Resources
Connecting with a counselor or therapist can help prioritize mental wellness and develop tools to manage depression and stress. The Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers support for single mothers struggling with depression in the United States. Suicide prevention resources are available, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States and Befrienders Worldwide for international help.
Self-Care
Self-care can involve setting boundaries, taking care of one's body, and fitting quiet time into one's schedule. Achieving good sleep hygiene may involve practices like shutting off electronic devices before bed, resisting "revenge bedtime procrastination", using calming aromatherapy, taking a warm shower or bath before bed, limiting caffeine closer to bedtime, creating and sticking to a sleep schedule, and more.
Impact on Children
Depression in single moms may impact children, and mental health conditions in parents are considered an adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) score factor. Children with high ACEs scores may also have more trouble in school due to behavioral issues, academic delays, and trouble communicating their needs in social settings.
ACEs Scores and Health Impacts
ACEs scores can impact both a person's physical and mental health in childhood and adulthood, increasing chances of chronic diseases, substance use disorder, tobacco usage, depression, anxiety, unemployment risk, and early parenthood. A 2021 study indicates that economic issues can impact sleep, and lack of sleep can impact depression and mental wellness.
Virtual Therapy Options
Virtual options for therapy can make it easier to fit into a busy schedule, providing an accessible solution for many single mothers. Connecting with a counselor or therapist online can offer the same benefits as in-person sessions, providing a valuable resource for single mothers seeking support.
Depression in single mothers is not a separate diagnosis from other forms of depression, but rather refers to the ways single parents may be at risk of developing depression. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and risk factors, single mothers can take steps to prioritize their mental health and seek the support they need.
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