Why Online Therapy Is a Lifeline for Stay-at-Home Parents Managing Stress and Burnout

Some people mistakenly think that stay-at-home parents get to spend their days eating marshmallows and lounging around the house with their kids. Working parents are often surprised to discover that staying home with their kids can be just as demanding as earning a living outside the home. In some cases, it can be even more stressful!

From feelings of loneliness and isolation to physical and emotional exhaustion, stay-at-home parents face a gamut of challenges. They often feel guilty because they feel like they should be enjoying time spent with their kids instead of dreading it. However, in most cases, they’re great parents who simply don’t get enough breaks to avoid reaching their limits. Here’s why online therapy can be a lifeline for stay-at-home parents managing stress and burnout.

Challenges Stay-at-Home Parents Face

Therapy can help parents cope with the pressures, anxiety, and emotional stress of raising children full-time. For those who may not have the time or budget to see an in-person therapist, it’s easier than ever before to find affordable therapy online. Online therapy can be a lifeline for struggling at-home parents who always feel burned out.  

Stay-at-home or work-from-home parents face a wide variety of challenges. They may be different from the ones working parents face, but that doesn’t make them less difficult. Here are just a few of the day-to-day trials that come with raising kids full-time:

Isolation

When you’re stuck at home all or most of the day, it’s natural to experience feelings of isolation. You may find yourself looking for excuses to leave the house – even if it’s just to go grocery shopping. Limited interactions with other adults can take a toll on your mental health and cause you to feel bored, lonely, and unfulfilled.

Loss of Identity

Many stay-at-home parents report feeling a loss of identity from time to time. Constantly filling the role of caregiver for someone else can squash your own needs, interests, and personality. It can be especially hard to make the transition from a successful career to stay-at-home parenthood.

Societal Pressures

Society places a lot of pressure on stay-at-home parents to be flawless and to raise picture-perfect children. The popularity of idyllic families on social media has created unrealistic expectations for stay-at-home parents who may be struggling just to survive.  

Mental Health Struggles

Depression, anxiety, and discontentedness are all common struggles experienced by full-time parents. It’s hard not to compare yourself to others who seem to have it all put together. Constant feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and fatigue can take a toll on anyone’s mental health.

Why Online Therapy Is a Lifeline for Burned-Out Parents

Even though stay-at-home parenting is hard, it can also be highly rewarding when you’re in a healthy mental space. Therapy can be a lifeline for parents who feel like their efforts are never enough. Online therapy is particularly helpful because it fits neatly into most busy parents’ lifestyles. Here’s why you need online therapy as an overwhelmed stay-at-home parent.

It’s Discreet

Since it’s done entirely online, digital therapy is about as discreet as it gets. You don’t have to worry about anyone seeing you walk into a therapist’s office. Even though there’s nothing shameful about seeking therapy, some parents still prefer to keep that aspect of their lives private.

It’s Convenient

Most stay-at-home parents barely have time to take a shower, let alone drive to a therapist’s office every week. Fortunately, online therapy removes your commute time and makes it possible to speak to a therapist from your bedroom, living room, or laundry room. It’s almost like having a therapist come to you when you need them. Many therapists offer various communication options, such as video chats, telephone calls, or even text messaging.

It’s Affordable

Online therapists don’t have many of the overhead costs associated with having a brick-and-mortar practice. Therefore, they often offer decreased treatment costs to their clients. If you’re worried about sticking to a budget, meeting with a therapist over the phone is a great option. You’ll save money on your appointment costs as well as gasoline.

It Offers Access to a Therapist of Your Choice

When you see a therapist in person, your options are generally limited. If you don’t want to drive very far, you’ll need to stick with therapists who are located near you. That may be fine in some cases. However, if you want to see a specific therapist who’s too far away for you to visit in person, it can be frustrating. With online therapy, physical distance doesn’t matter. As long as the therapist you meet with is licensed in your state, it doesn’t matter how far away they’re located.

The Therapy Lifeline

As a stay-at-home parent, it’s crucial to take care of your mental health. If you’re constantly feeling burned out and discouraged, you won’t have the energy to be a good caretaker. On the other hand, caring for yourself puts you in a better position to take good care of your children. Fortunately, you don’t have to hire a babysitter or take a lot of time out of your day to see a therapist. Try online therapy and gain access to your own personal help lifeline without leaving the comfort of your home.