Pandemic Mothering PTSD

(1 min read but I'm getting deep)  I have met a lot of incredible moms who are also high achieving individuals. We have a few things in common. 

We love our kids even when it is hard. We sacrifice more than we ever knew possible. We continue to educate ourselves so that we do what is best for our families. AND we are extremely guarded and cautious particularly since we went through pandemic mothering.

My SEO is going to take a hit for this, but I'm just going to say it. Pandemic mothering, especially if you had a child under the age of 10 was traumatic. We were put in extraneous circumstances in which we feared for our children's health, we found ourselves in domestic jail, and were in constant social solitude, a form of psychological torture. 

We are now entering the aftermath of that trauma which has left an enormous footprint on our mental capacities and overall wellbeing. It should not come as a surprise that moms, particularly high achieving ones, are in ultra defense mode mentally, emotionally, and socially. We've become callus and guarded against any vulnerability to protect ourselves and our children. This can become draining and ultimately debilitating (extra anxiety, mood swings, physical ailments, lower motivation, depression, etc.)

I don't have a solution, I don't have a secret to getting through this PTSD but I wanted to write this email to validate what we're going through- post pandemic trauma as moms who are also highly capable individuals. Some of us had to quit or postpone our life long professional goals, some of us had to watch our children struggle, some of us lost friends, family or relationships, some of us had to silently suffer through a unique situation. It was hard and it needs to be acknowledged.  

I have made it my life mission to change the narrative on the importance of motherhood and I'm starting by thanking YOU for your diligence and love for your children and your resilience after an extremely difficult time as a mom. It is so important to remember that you are strong, you are capable, and you are doing what is best for your kids (if I was writing this on paper, there would be tear smudges all over, lol).  

Honor your importance and safeguard your mind. All our kids depend on it. See you in next Sunday's e-newsletter.

XO, Naomi

mom, founder, certified life + business coach

www.highachievingmomsclub.com