How Stay-at-Home Moms Can Cope with Depression

Are you a stay-at-home and are getting into depression because of a monotonous, tiring routine? Read this blog to know how you can cope with this form of depression.

Are you a stay-at-home mom? The first thing we want to say to you is; you’re doing great, momma! It’s not easy being a mom, but you’re killing it!

Motherhood is one of the world’s least appreciated and most demanding jobs! There’s no 9 to 5 shift. Your job is 24 hours long. You’re responsible for looking after your kids’ health, hygiene, and development. Even after your spouse comes home after work, you may feel the pressure to ensure your house is clean and you can provide them with fresh meals.

Stay-at-home moms often lose themselves in the race to make their family happy. Depression in stay-at-home moms is very common! If you’re a stay-at-home mom and you’re afraid that you may be getting into depression, know that your family needs you and they’re well as long as you’re good!

This blog post will help you cope with stay-at-home mom depression.

Don’t Judge Yourself

People will say a lot of things to you. They’ll make you feel bad for things you can’t help. Society expects mothers to stay happy at all times. A mother who scolds her kids is labeled as a ‘bad mother’; most of the time, you let what people say affect you! If someone tells you you’re a bad mom, you accept the fact that you’re, indeed, a bad mom! This puts you at a higher risk of stay-at-home mom depression.

The first and most important tip that’ll help you cope with this form of depression is to stop judging yourself. It’s absolutely okay to lose your calm sometimes. It’s okay to leave your kids with a nanny to spend an evening with your friends. And it’s also okay to not cook meals some days and order from outside. None of this makes you any less of a mom! You’re already doing so much. The first person you need acknowledgment from is yourself (Fletcher, 2022).

Get Dressed

Some mom influencers might make you feel like you’re the ugliest woman. They’re so dressed and look presentable all the time, even when they’re cooking. When you look at yourself, you may feel disgusted. This is one of the biggest causes of depression in stay-at-home moms. Well, let us tell you that it’s practically impossible to look like mom influencers all the time. What you see on social media isn’t reality. The reality is what you’re living. What you can do to feel better, though, is to get dressed early in the morning. Wear clean clothes and put on some makeup, and start your day feeling good about yourself!

Ask for Help

Being a mom doesn’t make you a superhero. You can get tired, exhausted, and frustrated like anyone else. You don’t have to do everything yourself every day of your life. Ask for help when you think you can’t do something. It could be from your family or friends. Don’t overwork your already overworked self. The sense of not having anyone to help can lead to depression, and this is exactly why you shouldn’t feel bad asking for help when you need it!

Closing Words

Depression in stay-at-home moms can affect them and their families. If you suspect you may be getting depressed from staying at home and having your life revolve around your kids and family, seek help right away, for your and your family’s sake!

Frequently Asked Question’s: 

What is the SAHM syndrome?

“SAHM syndrome” is an informal term used to describe the emotional burnout, identity loss, isolation, and sometimes depression experienced by many stay-at-home moms. It’s not an official medical diagnosis, but it captures a very real mental and emotional struggle.

This can stem from:

• Lack of adult interaction

• Feeling undervalued or invisible

• Loss of financial independence

• Repetitive, unpaid, and often unrecognized labor

• Pressure to be a “perfect mom”

Over time, this can deeply impact a mother’s mental health, self-worth, and relationships.

What are the symptoms of a mother’s depression?

Depression in mothers—whether postpartum or developed over time—can show up in many ways:

• Emotional symptoms:

  • Persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings

  • Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or “numb”

  • Loss of interest in things once enjoyed

• Cognitive symptoms:

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • Self-critical thoughts (“I’m failing my kids”)

• Physical symptoms:

  • Fatigue, even after sleeping

  • Changes in appetite or weight

  • Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)

• Behavioral symptoms:

  • Withdrawing from friends or family

  • Avoiding responsibilities or overcompensating

  • Heightened anxiety or panic attacks

What are the psychological effects of being a stay-at-home mom?

Being a SAHM can be deeply fulfilling—but also psychologically taxing. Common effects include:

• Loss of identity: Many moms feel they’ve “lost themselves” outside of motherhood.

• Decreased self-esteem: Without recognition or tangible achievements, confidence can suffer.

• Emotional isolation: Limited adult conversation or support can lead to loneliness.

• Increased anxiety and guilt: From managing household tasks to parenting expectations, many feel constant pressure to do it all.

• Resentment or relationship strain: If roles or contributions aren’t acknowledged, resentment can build—especially if the partner doesn’t share the emotional load.

What is the divorce rate for stay-at-home moms?

While exact numbers vary by study and demographic, some data suggests that:

• Couples where only one partner works (typically the father) may face a slightly higher risk of divorcecompared to dual-income households, particularly if there’s financial strain, imbalance in responsibilities, or unspoken resentment.

• One 2017 study indicated that women who are economically dependent on their husbands may feel less empowered to leave an unhappy marriage, while also experiencing lower relationship satisfaction if their contributions are undervalued.

It’s important to note: Divorce rates are influenced by many factors—communication, financial health, support systems, mental health—not just whether one parent stays home.

References

Fletcher, Jenna. 2022, https://psychcentral.com/depression/stay-at-home-mom-depression