Parenting with a partner can be overwhelming enough even under the best of circumstances. When you are a single parent doing it alone, the challenges are multiplied. From finding a babysitter when you have to work to worrying about their education and all the worries and expenses in between, all on your own. Single parenting is certainly not for the faint hearted. It is natural to feel overwhelmed and stressed from time to time. If you find that you feel this way most of the time, you deserve to find some support for yourself. Counseling can help.

The Stress of Being a Single Parent

Becoming a single parent can be both overwhelming and stressful. Even if it is your choice to be a single parent and you know you do your best, it is difficult not to conjure up the image of a traditional family. While it may not really be your plan to bring up children on your own, unfortunate circumstances may have happened that inevitably changed your family life. Additionally, if your partner left, it is understandable to feel betrayed and to blame the other person.

Single parents faced with the task of child rearing without help face the difficulties of responsibility overload, which means having to make all the decisions and provide for everything the children need. At the same time, the demands of parenting, housework, and a job can be too overwhelming for a single parent who is required to meet both their own emotional needs as well as those of their children. This overwhelm can easily lead to anxiety and depression. 

The Overall Emotional Toll

The unique challenges in being a single parent can add up to a lot of overwhelm. Juggling raising children, maintaining a household, building your career and having a social life can be a lot. 

Being a single parent is a challenge that can give rise to negative feelings, such as anger, resentment, sadness, guilt, grief, and overwhelm. While many parents in this situation will do everything to achieve consistency, pushing yourself beyond your limits can result in burn out. Don’t wait until you are burned out to seek help.

How Can Counseling Help? 

It is a fact that being a parent is stressful, but being a single parent is by far more stressful. Perhaps it is even the most difficult job in the world. If you are a single parent, it is likely your ultimate goal to assume this role with confidence and courage. This can be difficult to manifest and maintain on your own. 

Being a single parent does not necessarily mean you are on your own. They say “it takes a village” for a reason. Family and friends can be great support. It is important to turn to healthy supports as no one can do anything on their own. 

While family and friends can be wonderful, no one in our personal lives can be fully non-bias. Finding a therapist that you can connect with can make a world of difference. 

Counseling, or therapy, can be helpful in so many ways. It can create a space for you to process your feelings and overwhelm. You can learn valuable skills to find balance and improve the way you view yourself. 

Carolina Counseling Services – Cameron, NC contacts with skilled licensed counselors and therapists. Call today to get started. Online counseling sessions are also available, making getting the care you deserve easier than ever before.