Mental health is one of the most vital parts of overall health. If your mental health is suffering, this can lead to a variety of issues from depression, to anxiety, and even angry outbursts. For parents, there might also be a sense of guilt if one experiences mental health issues. Fortunately, it’s good to know that parents aren’t alone in feeling like they need a break from their kids.
Around 30% of adults in the United States said they wanted to send away their children to summer camp! Keep in mind this was in the middle of a pandemic! Indeed, sending your kids away to summer camp might not be such a bad idea if you feel like you need a break. Below are several signs that you should consider taking a break from your kids, and how you can safely do so without putting your child or yourself in harm’s way.
1. You Are Easily Angered
It’s no secret that being a parent is a tough job. You might find yourself becoming frustrated and irritated over the smallest things, even at the sound of your child’s voice. This is completely normal, considering that a three-year-old boy’s voice is louder than 200 adults in a restaurant. However, it isn’t just a child’s voice that might bother you. If you find yourself angry at your child’s energy levels, their curious questions, or simply at the sight of the mess they’ve made, it might be time to take a break. If you become easily angered around your child, this is never a healthy thing to show them. Instead, ask loved ones to help babysit them while you take a much-needed break. Even if it’s a walk around the block, stepping away from a tough situation with your child can help you calm down and soothe your anger.
2. You Feel Depressed
For people that suffer from depression, this might get even worse when they have children. Around 10% of pregnant women have a mental disorder, which can become exacerbated due to post-partum depression. If you find yourself feeling depressed, you might need to improve your mental health by taking some time off to visit a psychologist, therapist, or other mental health professional. Remember, it’s completely okay to feel like you need a little bit of extra help. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and you can rest easy knowing your child is in good hands while you get the help you need for your depression or other mental health condition.
3. You Feel Anxious and On Edge
If you’re feeling anxious, this might also be a sign that you’re experiencing heightened levels of stress. Anxiety has its roots in worry and panic. The more worried you are, the more likely you are to experience panic attacks, which can be incredibly frightening. Consider taking some time out of your day to meditate, practice grounding techniques, and do deep breathing exercises. All of these can be done within the comfort of your home and within minutes. If you want to take a trip to the park to meditate, this is also an excellent idea.
4. You Miss Having Time to Yourself
Being a new parent is a life-changing process. Every moment you have will be spent raising your child. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy things you used to! If you miss having time to yourself, ask for a babysitter or family member to watch over your child while you do something that used to bring you joy, like getting coffee or reading a book. This helps normalize the feelings of parenthood and gives you some time off.
There’s no shame in taking a break from your kids. With the help of loved ones, you can take a couple of minutes out of your day to engage in meditation, therapy, or even an activity that makes you smile. These can all help you raise your kids with patience.