Anxiety and Burnout in Women: Tips From an Anxiety Therapist on Coping
Women today are experiencing more pressure than ever. Our jobs, families, the internet/social media, and friends constantly pressure us. We work tirelessly to try to maintain the perfect house, stick to the latest fitness/clothing trends, and care for family and friends. It is unacceptable for women today to be unable to problem solve because we have Google/Pinterest/TikTok at our fingertips. Easy access to answers leads us to unrealistic expectations of ourselves. Finding support through anxiety therapy in Sugar Land, TX can be a vital step in managing these pressures and setting realistic standards.
The Illusion of Perfection
Ladies, we are pressuring ourselves to achieve perfection because we convince ourselves that what we see online and around us when we are out is everyone else's unfiltered reality. The truth is that we only see people's filtered version of themselves, which they curate especially for us. Nobody is living care-free or problem-free. It is unrealistic to believe that. The reality is that being a woman is really hard. Reports have indicated that 79% of women who work have extreme anxiety about the expectations they try to live up to.
Working women in caregiving roles, whether it is in raising children or caring for aging parents, are at higher risk for extreme stress, anxiety, and depression. Numerous studies show that working and married women are primarily responsible for all family care and housework, even though they work the same hours as their husbands.
Double the Work, Double the Stress
Managing a home and career means double the work and double the stress. Living under constant pressure can cause women to experience anything from insomnia and lowered immunity to mood swings and weight gain. "Excess stress boosts the output of the cortisol hormone, which in turn can increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, depression, and anxiety," says Brent W. Bost, M.D., an OB/GYN in Beaumont, Texas (Working Mom? Aim for Less Stress - Stanford Medicine Children's Health).
As working women, we often feel guilty about missing out on any part of caregiving because we already have to take time away from home. We do not want to cheat our loved ones out of what little precious time we spend with them by asking others to cover for us. It seems like it would be more work to delegate and explain everything to someone else to get help anyway.
Women and Burnout: The Harsh Reality
When we look at burnout rates of women vs. men — women report burnout 32% times more burnout than men. Even more than that, 78% of moms admit to sacrificing sleep to care for their families. The majority of working women turn down social invitations due to caregiving responsibilities. Women are sacrificing their well-being for their families and careers, and they are feeling it. These extreme demands can result in intense mental strain, self-doubt, and, in extreme cases, self-sabotage or destructive behaviors.
Recognizing the Signs of Burnout
When women are burned out, overworked, and overwhelmed, it is not uncommon for this to trigger avoidant behavior. If you are avoiding places, people, activities, or things that trigger any potential additional anxiety or stress, you are burnt out. If you notice yourself exhibiting an attempt to protect yourself from bad feelings through distractions such as compulsive cleaning or arranging, you're likely burnt out and overwhelmed. Working with an anxiety therapist can help you identify these patterns and develop healthier ways to manage stress.
If you constantly tell yourself, “Don’t think about the negative; focus on the positive and pinning innumerable positive sayings or inspirational quotes, you could be overwhelmed and burnt out. Are you zoning out, faking it as a positive policy around others, or disassociating from your to-do list? Maybe you have noticed you're reaching for that extra glass of wine, a box of cookies, sex, pills, or anything else that can hide these feelings for even a moment.
As women, we could benefit from adjusting our standards and expectations. Yes, your partner may dress the kids in mismatched outfits or serve pizza, but as long as they're nurtured and safe, let's share the workload (Working Mom Aim for Less Stress - Stanford Medicine Children's Health).
Practical Strategies for Reducing Stress
Let’s talk about stress reduction strategies. Delegation and asking for specific help are critical. Do not over schedule, before committing to another activity consider the transportation time, meal prep, and lost self-care time. Do not be your friends/ family’s event planner/primary source of entertainment. Streamlining and simplifying meals can save time, relieve stress, and allow us to be more available to our loved ones. It is okay to grab a salad, a rotisserie chicken, and some rolls and call it a day.
Take a Social Media Break
Ladies, we need to build in personal time and streamline our processes. Be specific with yourself, I will attend one 45-minute yoga class on Thursday evenings. Know your non-negotiables in your routine, and know what you can tolerate letting go of when things start to feel tight or overwhelming. Lastly, ladies, I cannot suggest this enough: GO ON A SOCIAL MEDIA BREAK. Social media takes hours from our lives, leads to comparisons, and gives us false expectations. By making these adjustments and seeking the support of an anxiety therapist at Southern Pine Counseling, women can find relief from the pressures they face and begin to live more balanced, fulfilling lives.
Overcome Your Anxiety & Burnout With Anxiety Therapy in Sugar Land, TX
Are you a woman feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and burnout? It’s time to prioritize your well-being and find the support you deserve through anxiety therapy. Take the first step toward reclaiming your balance and joy by working with a skilled anxiety therapist at Southern Pine Counseling to begin your journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Contact me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation
Begin meeting with a skilled anxiety therapist
Start prioritizing your well-being and coping with your anxiety & burnout!
Additional Counseling Services at Southern Pine Counseling
At Southern Pine Counseling, I provide services to address a wide range of issues for women. Alongside helping you manage your anxiety & burnout with anxiety therapy, I offer trauma therapy to help empower individuals to regain a sense of control, alleviate symptoms, and improve overall well-being, fostering a positive and meaningful quality of life. Other services include therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Perfectionism, and Life Changes such as divorce, a new move, a new job, or considering a change of career. For more information and to get to know us better, visit our blog.
