There are many types of exhaustion and fatigue, one of them being parental exhaustion. Experts revealed what it is and how it affects. Find out the details.
Raising children involves a significant amount of work, from daily tasks like feeding and caring to managing extracurricular activities and providing emotional support.
The absence of a support network, such as close family, friends, or childcare services, can increase the pressure on parents, just as having very high and unrealistic expectations about parenting, whether self-imposed or derived from societal norms, can contribute to burnout.
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What is parental burnout?
Parental burnout, also known as burnout parental, is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that parents may experience due to the constant and stressful demands of parenting. This phenomenon can affect parents of all ages and in a variety of circumstances, and has multiple dimensions that manifest in different ways.
What are the symptoms of parental burnout?
- Emotional exhaustion: feeling constantly tired, overwhelmed, or unable to cope with daily demands. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and disappointment.
- Disinterest or disconnection: loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable and in interacting with children. Parents may feel disconnected or distant.
- Irritability and frustration: increased irritability and frustration, often with disproportionate reactions to everyday situations.
- Feelings of inadequacy: feeling inadequate or that expectations are not being met as a parent, despite the efforts made.
- Health problems: Physical problems such as headaches, insomnia, chronic fatigue, or gastrointestinal disorders can manifest as a result of prolonged stress.
How parental burnout affects children, by gender
The Women may experience more pronounced emotional exhaustion due to the combination of multiple roles and responsibilities and may feel increased guilt for not meeting expectations of being the ideal mother, which can exacerbate burnout.
Men can feel a additional pressure to fulfill the role of financial provider, which can add stress when combined with parenting responsibilities. Prolonged stress can manifest itself in physical health problems, such as muscle tension, headaches, and heart problems.
Source: Ambito
