In the age of social media perfection and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to do it all. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be everything to everyone. The Supermom myth — that you should be the perfect mother, partner, employee, friend, and more — is not just unrealistic, it’s harmful. It’s one of the leading causes of mom burnout, a quiet epidemic affecting mothers everywhere.
If you’re reading this and feeling like you’re running on fumes, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about mom burnout — what it looks like, why it happens, and how to gently find your way back to yourself.
What are the signs of mom burnout?
Mom burnout doesn’t always look like falling apart at the seams.
Sometimes, it’s subtle — like feeling numb, or like you’re always one step away from tears. Other times, it’s more obvious: constant exhaustion, snapping at your kids over small things, or feeling like you’re failing no matter how hard you try.
Some common signs of mom burnout include:
- Chronic fatigue, even after sleeping.
- Feeling disconnected from your kids or family.
- Irritability or impatience that feels out of character.
- Trouble focusing or remembering things.
- Feeling like everything is on your shoulders — and it’s too much.
- Guilt for not “enjoying” motherhood more.
These signs aren’t a reflection of your worth as a mom. They’re signs that you’re carrying too much, for too long. Mom burnout happens when you’re constantly giving without enough rest, support, or care for yourself.
How do you fix mom burnout?
Fixing mom burnout isn’t about pushing through or doing more — it’s about doing less, and finding space to rest and recover. It starts with giving yourself permission to not be the Supermom. You’re allowed to need help.
You’re allowed to slow down.
Here are some gentle steps to begin:
- Ask for help. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a family member, let someone know how you’re feeling. Share the load, even if it feels vulnerable.
- Prioritize rest. This doesn’t have to mean a two-week vacation (though wouldn’t that be nice?). It can be 15 minutes to yourself, a warm bath, or going to bed earlier.
- Challenge the Supermom myth. Notice when you’re telling yourself, “I should be able to do it all.” Pause, and ask: “Who says I have to?” Let yourself be human.
- Talk to a therapist. At Empowered Therapy, we believe every mom deserves support. If mom burnout is weighing you down, therapy can be a safe space to explore these feelings and find new ways to cope.
- Reconnect with what matters. Mom burnout often makes everything feel like an obligation. Try to find small sparks of joy — a song you love, a quiet cup of tea, a hobby you’ve missed.
Healing from mom burnout takes time, but it’s possible. You deserve care and rest, just as much as your kids do.
What is depleted mother syndrome?
Depleted mother syndrome is a term some experts use to describe a deeper, more chronic form of mom burnout. It happens when a mother’s physical, emotional, and mental resources are so worn down that she feels completely empty.
Mothers experiencing depleted mother syndrome often feel:
- Like they’re always running on empty.
- A deep sense of resentment, even if they love their kids.
- Disconnected from themselves — like they’ve lost the person they used to be.
- An almost mechanical approach to life: just getting through the day.
If these words resonate, please know it’s not your fault. Depleted mother syndrome is a sign that you’ve been doing too much, for too long, without enough support or self-care. It’s a call to slow down, to rest, and to remember that you’re more than just a caregiver.
What are parental burnout symptoms?
Mom burnout is part of a larger experience called parental burnout. While dads can experience it too, mothers often face unique pressures — from social expectations to their own inner critic.
Symptoms of parental burnout include:
- Exhaustion: Feeling physically and emotionally drained, with no energy left.
- Emotional distance: Struggling to connect with your children, feeling numb or detached.
- Loss of joy: Activities you once loved — playing with your kids, reading bedtime stories — feel like chores.
- Self-doubt and guilt: Wondering why you can’t “just handle it” like everyone else seems to.
These symptoms are serious.
Mom burnout isn’t just about feeling tired; it can impact your mental health, your relationships, and your ability to enjoy motherhood. The good news? It’s not permanent. With the right support, you can heal and rediscover your strength.
What does a burnt out mom look like?
A burnt out mom might look like she’s holding it all together on the outside — making lunches, folding laundry, driving to soccer practice — but inside, she’s running on empty.
She might smile at the playground, but her mind is racing with a thousand worries. She might say “I’m fine,” because she doesn’t want to burden anyone else.
You can’t always see mom burnout in someone’s face. But you can often hear it in the quiet moments — the sighs, the late-night tears, the whispered “I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up.”
If this is you, please hear this: you’re not alone. You’re not a bad mom. You’re a human being who needs care and rest, too.
A final note on mom burnout
At Empowered Therapy, we see you.
We see the weight of mom burnout — the expectations, the exhaustion, the quiet ache of wanting to be everything for everyone. And we want you to know that you don’t have to be the Supermom. You’re enough just as you are.
Recovering from mom burnout doesn’t mean becoming perfect. It means letting go of perfection altogether. It means trusting that your kids need you — your love, your presence, your humanness — more than they need a spotless kitchen or a packed schedule.
You don’t have to do it all. You deserve to be held, to be heard, to be supported.
If you’re ready to talk, we’re here to walk this journey with you — one gentle, compassionate step at a time.