Parental burnout is a condition that affects both new and seasoned parents, where they feel an overwhelming and continual sense of responsibility due to their role as caregivers. This sensation persists for a prolonged period, leaving them unable to alleviate it and find solace or satisfaction. This, in turn, leads to mental and physical deterioration. Unlike burnout caused by prolonged work hours or job dissatisfaction, parental burnout is a result of the lifelong commitment parents have made, which has irreversible consequences. As a result, when parents find themselves in situations that may indicate the start or progression of a parenting crisis, it is essential to learn how to manage it to overcome it safely.
Since parental burnout is a gradual process, many parents do not feel in real time the impact and risk involved in such a crisis, but this only begins to seep in when the signals for this become more tangible and destructive - and therefore it is very important to know them.
1. It affects our social life - in the midst of a crisis of parental burnout, our "fuse" becomes shorter than ever. Also, this period brings up and floods us with feelings and anger that were not visible before. We may lash out at our spouses, children or friends and show very little tolerance for mistakes, even if they are small and marginal. Often, anxiety and concern for others can cause us to cut off contact with our immediate environment and friends, resulting in long-term loneliness.
2. Has emotional consequences - as a direct continuation of the impact on the social sphere, the parental crisis may also overwhelm us with emotional disorders, such as anxiety, which often stems from the fear that to the outside world, you are perceived as not good enough parents, spouses or friends. The feeling that you are disappointing those around you can in extreme situations lead to the appearance of symptoms of depression, a feeling of helplessness and low self-esteem which sometimes stems from unrealistic expectations that you place on yourself.
3. Affects cognition and function - When experiencing parental burnout, this feeling can have a negative impact on both our function and cognition. The emotional effects can cause us to suffer from functional and cognitive issues, which may be a direct result of burnout. The anxiety, stress, and worry that we feel can drain our energy and cause us to lose focus, leading to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and poor sleep quality. This can manifest in early waking, late sleeping, and fragmented sleep. The lack of regular and quality sleep can then result in cognitive problems and even confusion and forgetfulness.
4. Affects our physical health -
While being a parent is often described as a fulfilling and empowering experience, the challenges that come with it can sometimes overshadow the positive aspects. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of parental burnout, it's important to acknowledge and address the issue rather than repress or deny it. Failing to do so can ultimately harm the family unit that one has worked hard to build. A 2019 study conducted at Stanford University found a clear connection between parental burnout and neglect, avoidance of responsibility, and even extreme cases of violence against children and suicidal tendencies. To deal with burnout in parenting, it's important to take proactive steps toward self-care and support.
