Top 5 Pressures & Challenges Local Moms Face According to this Boca Raton Therapist

It’s freakin’ hard being a parent! When you’re a mom in Boca Raton, there can be a great amount of pressure on you to balance a happy and healthy home-life. Not to mention providing an income for your family. This can be especially challenging when there are young children who need to make it to school on time and participate in extracurricular activities. The responsibility and expectation of being a parent is incredibly high.

Prioritizing yourself and your individual needs, especially as a mom, is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. That’s why I’m talking to an amazing Boca Raton therapist, Lori Lundin-Fish, PhD, LMFT of Palm Beach Therapy Center, who has some insight for you, my readers, on the top pressures and challenges local moms are facing.

Her literal job is to help you lessen that load and find some relief. Let’s discuss…

It’s a modern world and we’re modern moms! Tell us a little bit about your therapy practice here in Boca Raton…

As a Boca Raton therapist, I have 8 years of clinical experience and made the decision to go into private practice 4 years ago. I have experience working with families, couples, and individuals and specialize in relationships.

By the way, relationships can be found anywhere – between family members, between spouses, and within yourself. I challenge myself to truly understand the context of each issue and how it relates to you and where you want to be in your life.

What are the most common challenges and pressures that you see local moms facing lately as a Boca Raton therapist?

1. Loneliness-Being a parent can sometimes feel lonely! Many moms fail to realize that in their efforts to address these emotions, they tend to isolate themselves from others. In doing so, they are reinforcing that loneliness and giving it strength.
2. Comparison-Hello Social Media! Being a mom is already hard enough…being a mom in today’s world can be even harder because we are so “connected” with one another. The problem is, we know “too much” about the lives of others. It is natural to be curious. However, be aware that what you see online may not be what it seems to be. Everyone has struggles and obstacles they must overcome…even if they don’t post that information on social media.
3. Guilt-Whether you are a working mom who feels you “do not spend enough time with your little one(s)” or you’re a stay-at-home mom who feels like she “should be working”, guilt is an all too familiar feeling. No matter how hard we try and how hard we work, there will always be a feeling of “not doing enough.” The truth is, you are doing just fine either way!
4. Doubt-Doubt seems to creep up on you when you least expect it, especially for new moms. It can be hard to adjust to this new role when you don’t know what to expect. It’s challenging to care for another when those needs are often demanding and unpredictable. Over time, the mental and physical exhaustion of parenthood has an effect and generates a feeling of uncertainty.
5. Balance-No matter what your life looks like, if you are managing multiple children in one home, or if you are a working mom with a baby, finding a peaceful balance may seen like an unrealistic and impossible task. However, there is hope! There is a way to discover a balance that works for you. Pre-planning events or creating a routine can help manage the anxiety that accompanies the demands of modern households.

What kind of coping strategies do you recommend?

As soon as a woman becomes a mother, there are so many questions and concerns that come up even before you welcome your little one(s) into the world.

For instance, you may ask yourself if you should breastfeed or bottle feed, which pediatrician is the most caring, which stroller to buy, which babysitter or preschool is best? Every decision you make has one focus: “What is best for my child?” No matter what path you choose, know that you are doing all that you can for your family and that is enough!

If you find yourself struggling to cope, below are some tips to challenge unwanted thoughts:

Utilize your support system. Don’t be afraid to share your story and seek out help. There are others who have felt the same way you do. Talk to your family. Talk to your friends. The number of people you are surrounded by is not as valuable as having at least one quality relationship in your life. Many moms struggle with “making friends” however; sometimes your “tribe” can disguise itself as just one person.

Acknowledge your value and self-worth. You are a mom. You are capable of accomplishing anything. Moms are the “experts” of multitasking. But sometimes, it’s important to take a break, accept compliments and be proud of yourself.

Set healthy boundaries. Don’t be afraid to say no. Give yourself permission to take care of you. In fact, you must care for your own needs in order to be present with others. Whether you hire a nanny so you can leave your home, ask family to come by, or binge watch your favorite reality show, it is critical you set aside time to do something you enjoy. If you fail to do so, that anxiety you are already feeling may grow further.

Build your confidence. Stop focusing so much on the problems and the things that “did not go according to plan.” Life is unpredictable. As a parent, not only are you strong and capable, but you are resilient as well. Acknowledge your strengths and utilize them. 

Why (or when) should moms seek out a therapist to help?

Sadly, because there is a strong stigma surrounding mental health, many fail to seek out help due to embarrassment, busy scheduling, or minimizing issues.

It is healthy to speak to a Boca Raton therapist or mental health professional at any time-even if it’s to have a safe space to process everyday stressors. It is highly suggested that moms seek out a therapist when they feel they have reached their “breaking point.” Investing in your mental health can be beneficial not only for yourself, but for those around you as well.

We couldn’t agree more.

Connect with Palm Beach Therapy Center in Boca Raton online:

FACEBOOK: Palm Beach Therapy Center