A mum has reached out for advice as she openly shares her struggle with the challenges of motherhood, confessing that she longs for her previous carefree lifestyle. In a post on Reddit, she honestly admits missing the days before having children, describing that time as “very easy and chill.” This mum, with a daughter approaching 3 years old, reflects on the changes in her life since becoming a parent. In the past, she could unwind after work by spending quality time with her husband, focusing on self-care and fitness. However, everything turned upside down after stepping into motherhood. “The first year of motherhood was challenging, but I was determined to do everything right,” she expressed. “However, after she turned one, things started to feel like a constant struggle for me.”
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The mum continued to share her inner feelings, revealing the toll motherhood has taken on her mental and emotional well-being. She expressed a sense of feeling drained and missing the freedom of her child-free days. “When I look at myself in the mirror, I see a person who looks anxious, worn out, and defeated,” she bravely admitted. “Discovering grey hairs scattered across my head has become a common occurrence, and my self-esteem has plummeted over the past 18 months. Anxiety and depression have become my constant companions, making me feel insignificant and small.”
Living in Hong Kong, the mum acknowledged her sense of guilt for reaching out on Reddit, acknowledging the support she receives from her husband and a helper, along with her daughter being relatively easy despite entering the “terrible twos” phase. She shared the struggle of not being able to fully enjoy her ‘me-time’ due to constant thoughts about pending responsibilities at home, illustrating that even on a day off, her mind is preoccupied with her daughter. “I dread weekends as I am always in survival mode. I detest the duties that come with being a mum. I feel trapped and deeply ashamed for admitting this, as I feel ungrateful,” she lamented.
After pouring out her conflicted emotions, the mum reached out to other parents, seeking reassurance and advice on navigating this phase of motherhood. Given that her friends with babies seem to find it easier as time goes by, she feels isolated and unable to confide in them. Juggling a demanding job from 9 to 6, she expressed the draining nature of returning home afterward to attend to her daughter’s needs. Despite her love for her child and the daily amazement she finds in her, the mum admitted struggling with the obligations of motherhood.
In response to her vulnerable plea, a wave of supportive comments flooded in from fellow Reddit users, validating her feelings as common and urging her to find joy in the precious moments with her little one. Some shared their own struggles, empathizing with her sentiments. One parent acknowledged fluctuating between loving moments with their child to feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with parenting. Another parent in a similar situation with a 3-year-old daughter extended solidarity, hoping for a future where the value and love they offer their children will be appreciated.
The heartfelt exchanges in the online community provided reassurance and a sense of solidarity to the struggling mum, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging the challenges of parenthood while cherishing the fleeting moments of childhood. The shared experiences and supportive messages serve as a reminder that amidst the trials of motherhood, there lies a profound bond and love that transcends the difficulties. By opening up about her struggles, this mum has not only sought solace but has also sparked a conversation that resonates with many parents navigating the complexities of raising children in today’s fast-paced world.