We’ve seen them everywhere. The grocery store, soccer game, ballet recitals, birthday parties and just about everywhere. They are known as Supermoms!

They are the epitome of selflessness and sacrifice. Willing to put the needs of others before themselves day in and day out.

A supermom is defined as an exemplary or exceptional mother, especially one who successfully manages a home and brings up children while also having a full-time job. Although the term mentions the word ‘super’ the stress that accompanies it often hinders their powers.

According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association women are more likely to report physical and emotional symptoms of stress than men, such as having had a headache (41 percent versus 30 percent), having felt as though they could cry (44 percent versus 15 percent), or having had an upset stomach or indigestion (32 percent versus 21 percent) in the past month. The same survey also reported that women are more likely than men to report that they eat as a way of managing stress (31 percent versus 21 percent).

Dangerous Stress Levels

You may never know how stressed a supermom is unless you can see behind closed doors. If you could, you would undoubtedly see streams of tears flow. Women who are married reported higher levels of stress than single women, with one-third (33 percent) stating that their stress level increased over the past 30 days, compared with one in five of single women. Similarly, significantly more married women report that their stress has increased over the past five years (56 percent versus 41 percent of single women). And, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, 80 percent of family health care decisions are made by women, which saddles mothers with the added role of family health manager.

However, with the added role of health manager the family may tend to mimic the stress coming from mom. Supermoms tend to set the emotional tone for the household and if not handled properly will lead to more stress in the home.

What Can Supermoms Do For Help?

According to the APA mothers should do the following:

• Understand how you experience stress — Everyone experiences stress differently.
• Identify stressors – Discover what gets under your skin or heightens your anxiety.
• Recognize how you deal with stress – What thoughts, memories or activaties put a smile on your heart.
• Put things in perspective – Keep it real!. Know your strengths and weaknesses.
• Find healthy ways to manage stress – Exercise, healthy eating, mediation, prayer is a good place to start.
• Seek professional support

Dr April Brown offers one-on-one as well a group counseling to support moms and equip them with tools to handle the pressures of day-to-day life.

For your complimentary consultation just fill out the contact info and we will contact you asap!

Speak with a professional Counselor by contacting Dr. April Brown at www.draprilbrown.comor www.fortmyerstherapist.com
(239) 565-6921

Article courtesy of The American Psychological Association