How to Deal with Mom Burnout

Motherhood is a role filled with both rewards and challenges in Islam. Mothers are held in high esteem, regarded as the primary nurturers and caregivers of their children. However, like any significant responsibility, being a mother can be overwhelming. It is not uncommon for Muslim mothers to experience burnout. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of "mummy burnout" from an Islamic counseling perspective and offer guidance on navigating these challenges while maintaining faith and well-being.

Understanding Mom Burnout

Mummy burnout, also known as maternal burnout, refers to the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that mothers experience due to the demands of raising children, managing a household, and often juggling other responsibilities such as work or community involvement. This phenomenon can lead to feelings of overwhelm, stress, and even a crisis of faith for some Muslim mothers. Personally, I have been battling this while caring for two children under two.

Signs of Mom Burnout

Some common signs of mummy burnout include:

1. Constant Fatigue: Feeling tired even after an average of seven hours of sleep, despite eating well, exercising, and practicing self-care.
2. Overwhelm and Stress: Even the smallest tasks can feel daunting or provoke anxiety for no apparent reason.
3. Irritability: Increased crankiness or yelling.
4. Low Tolerance: A diminished ability to cope with daily challenges.
5. Agitation: Persistent feelings of restlessness.
6. Feelings of Inadequacy: A sense of not being good enough as a mother.
7. Negative Interactions with Children: Focusing primarily on the negative aspects of parenting can obscure the joys and beauty of motherhood.
8. Desire to Escape: Longing for time away from responsibilities.
9. Feelings of Suffocation: A sense of being trapped, often intensified by the lack of personal time.

Managing Burnout from an Islamic Perspective

The first step in addressing mummy burnout is recognizing when you are experiencing it and becoming attuned to your physical and emotional needs. As a mother, you juggle numerous responsibilities—working, managing household chores, and caring for your dependent children.
Islam places a high value on the role of mothers, with numerous references in the Quran and Sunnah highlighting the importance of nurturing one's children and fulfilling maternal responsibilities. The Islamic tradition acknowledges the challenges mothers face and provides guidance to help navigate these difficulties.

Here are some tips from Islamic teachings to help manage burnout:

1. Trust in Allah's Wisdom: Remember that Allah is the Best Planner. He has entrusted you with motherhood because He knows you are capable. Trust in His wisdom and rely on Him to guide you through your challenges.
2. Self-Care and Seeking Help: The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the importance of self-care and seeking support when needed. Asking for help from your spouse, family, or friends is not a sign of weakness; it is essential for maintaining your physical and mental health so you can fulfill your role as a mother effectively. I found the Mum Burnout podcast on the Ruh App helpful; Runda Ebied discusses various ways to manage and cope with this issue.
3. Prioritizing Responsibilities: Islam encourages a balanced approach to fulfilling one’s responsibilities. While prioritizing your duties as a mother is important, remember that you also have other roles—such as being a wife or daughter—and personal goals to pursue. Finding a balance that suits your circumstances is key to avoiding burnout.
4. Patience and Du'a (Supplication): In challenging moments, turn to Allah in prayer. Seek His guidance, strength, and patience to help you overcome difficulties. The practice of patience (Sabr) is highly praised in Islam and can serve as a source of strength for mothers facing burnout.
5. Community Support: Engage with your local Islamic community for support and guidance. Attend parenting classes, support groups, or events that connect you with other mothers facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and learning from one another can be incredibly empowering.

How Counseling Can Help

Sometimes the burden can feel too heavy to bear alone; that’s where counseling can be beneficial. Working with an experienced professional in a safe and non-judgmental space allows you to explore mummy burnout more deeply. It can help identify why you may be feeling overwhelmed and what skills or resources could assist you.

Remember that being a mother is a beautiful yet challenging journey; it doesn’t come without its difficulties. You don’t have to navigate this path alone—reach out when needed! When your emotional buckets feel too full, don’t hesitate to empty them by utilizing available resources.

Mom burnout is a real issue faced by many Muslim mothers, making it essential to address it promptly upon noticing its signs. While motherhood is highly esteemed in Islam, our faith also provides guidance on navigating its challenges while maintaining well-being and spirituality. By trusting in Allah's wisdom, practicing self-care, seeking help, finding balance, and embracing patience along with community support, Muslim mothers can effectively manage mummy burnout while fulfilling their vital roles with devotion and strength.

You are not alone on this journey; with faith and resilience, you can overcome these challenges. If you wish to seek professional help, consider booking a free intro call with one of our therapists at RuhCare.com.