After childbirth, many women are probably overwhelmed with childcare without sufficient rest. In particular, women who are raising children and doing housework on their own tend to keep their worries to themselves. Stress and exhaustion can build up, and they may even worry that they are suffering from childcare neurosis.
In this article, we will introduce a list of symptoms of childcare neurosis, how to cope with it, and where to consult for help.
You are not the only woman who is struggling with childcare. Let’s not try to solve the problem by yourself, but gain knowledge about childcare neuroses so that you can take appropriate measures.
What is childcare neurosis? What are the symptoms?
Childcare neurosis is when a mother raising a child (infant) becomes mentally unstable due to stress, lack of experience, and confidence. It is also known as ” childcare stress” or ” childcare anxiety. The following symptoms may occur when a mother suffers from childcare neurosis.
- Not being able to think that your child is cute.
- Cursing or hitting the child (abuse)
- Feeling depressed or anxious
- Lack of motivation to do anything
- Insomnia
- Lack of appetite, overeating
- Sudden bursts into tears
- Irritable at the slightest thing.
Other symptoms include negative thoughts such as “I am not qualified to be a parent,” and “I feel sorry for children born to mothers like me”. If you recognize any of these symptoms, you should consider taking action.
What to do if you have a childcare neurosis?
First, review your life situation, including childcare. If you have any of the following tendencies, you are more likely to suffer from childcare neurosis.
- Compare the developmental guidelines in childcare magazines or the condition of other children with your own child, and feel happy or sad.
- Want everything to be perfect in terms of childcare, housework, work, etc.
- The husband does not help much with childcare or you don’t have a husband
- Rarely talk to other people during the daytime.
If you can think of any of these, start by doing what you can to improve.
For example, visit a facility such as a children’s center to meet other mothers, actively ask for help from your husband, and do not aim for perfection. In addition, since many neurotic mothers are iron-deficient, supplementation of iron may improve the symptoms. If improvement is still difficult, you may seek counseling at a medical institution.
Where should I consult for childcare neurosis?
To improve childcare neurosis as early as possible, it is important to make good use of consultation institutions.
Government agencies
Under the program of the Country, there are squares, childcare support centers, and children’s centers in each municipality where you can consult and interact with others about childcare. In some cases, a free telephone consultation service is available, so please check with the municipal office or website.
Hospitals
When consulting with a hospital, see a psychosomatic medicine specialist. If it is difficult to suddenly visit a new medical institution, you may first consult with the hospital where you gave birth or the maternity hospital. You may wonder if you should go to a hospital for something like this, but if left untreated, the symptoms may become more serious. For early treatment, visit a hospital as soon as possible.
NPOs and other private institutions
There are also NPOs and other private organizations that provide counseling on childcare. Information may be provided on municipal websites, or if you cannot find one on your own, you may inquire directly.
Conclusion
When you are busy raising children every day, it is easy to become physically and mentally drained. At times, you may even worry that you are becoming childcare neurotic. It is very important for the sound upbringing of a child that the mother be healthy both mentally and physically.
Therefore, we recommend that you have knowledge of the symptoms of childcare neurosis, appropriate ways to cope with it, and places to consult. This information will be useful not only for those who are already feeling stressed about childcare but also for those who are not feeling stressed about childcare.
