Girlie have you fell down the RABBIT HOLE?

Brittney Carlos (SILLY MOMMA)
May 7, 2023
4 min read

Don't be ashamed of your answer friend!

Burnout, Depression or Anxiety which is it? Or is it all three?

If so I can totally relate! I personally think that for me the anxiety has always been there ever since I was a child with a dash of burn out depending on what I had going on but the DEPRESSION was like no other once I assumed of my titles and their so called responsibilities.

SOoO here's the truth girlie! While mommy burnout can have serious ramifications, it isn’t genetic and medicine is not required for treatment. Anxiety and depression, meanwhile, are psychiatric disorders that can require medicine and/or therapy for complete healing. (They also can be experienced simultaneously.) Which is an absolute B*tch within itself.

But how can you determine whether you’re dealing with mommy burnout, postpartum depression (PPD), general depression or anxiety?

Burnout crosses into postpartum depression, for instance, when a mother’s daily abilities are severely impaired and she is unable to eat, sleep and take care of herself. Because depression or anxiety might require different interventions than burnout, it’s important to seek help from a doctor or therapist when symptoms start to interfere with daily life.

Here are a few symptoms that cross the line from burnout to depression or anxiety, according to Mommy Burnout by Sheryl Ziegler.

Have you been…In no specific order!

Engaging in reckless behavior to escape your family and responsibilities?
Experiencing real problems with concentration?
Experiencing headaches and stomachaches?
Having suicidal thoughts or fantasies such as “disappearing permanently”?
Abandoning your goals completely?
Snapping at people easily and exhibiting close to zero patience for your kids or spouse?
Struggling to get out of bed in the morning and fantasizing about sleeping all the time?

Then you MIGHT BE DEPRESSED.

Have you been… In no specific order!

Preoccupied with something most days of the week and hours of the day for the past six months?
Experiencing trouble sitting still, fatigue, trouble concentrating, agitation, tight or sore muscles, or difficulty falling or staying asleep?
Dealing with so much worry that it causes significant stress and interferes with daily life?

Then you MIGHT BE ANXIOUS.

And you're probably thinking well what About Dad? I know one of my FAVORITE LINES.

Go Ask Your Dad!

However, according to research, burnout is not limited to moms. As dads have become more involved in child-rearing, they’re also susceptible to parental burnout; the “Exhausted Parents” study published in 2017 found that dads “who put an effort into their fathering had the same probability of burnout as mothers.” especially when that dad is working full time to provide for his family, dealing with his own mental health and awareness all while possibly grappling with being a black man in America.

The struggle is REAL for all of us when we are actually deciding to TRY! When we actually decide to SHOW UP!

SoOoOO you already know what I am going t say next right girlie?! Well you SHOULD!

It's that self care isn't at all SELFISH! its an act that should be implemented in everyones live! That means taking care of your internal, mental and physical. Not just the parts of you that you showcase on the gram.

That would be like getting out of the shower, getting dressed and only putting lotion on the parts that show.

Girlie Self-care is often viewed as a selfish act, but in reality, it is essential for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are a few reasons as to why you shouldn't consider prioritizing your SELF CARE as a selfish act. 10 to be exact!

It helps prevent burnout: Taking care of yourself can prevent burnout and exhaustion. When you are well-rested and balanced, you are better equipped to tackle life's challenges.
It improves your health: Self-care practices such as exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep can improve your physical health and reduce the risk of illness.
It boosts your mood: Engaging in self-care activities that you enjoy can boost your mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
It enhances your relationships: When you take care of yourself, you are better able to show up for others in your life, including family, friends, and colleagues.
It increases productivity: Taking breaks and engaging in self-care can actually increase productivity and focus, as it allows your mind to rest and recharge.
It fosters creativity: Self-care practices such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature can stimulate creativity and help you tap into your creative potential.
It improves self-esteem: Prioritizing self-care can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more confident and self-assured.
It sets a good example: When you practice self-care, you demonstrate to those around you the importance of taking care of oneself and prioritizing mental and physical health.
It improves overall well-being: By taking care of yourself, you are investing in your overall well-being and quality of life.
It's an act of self-love: Self-care is an act of self-love and self-respect. By practicing self-care, you are showing yourself the love and care you deserve.