Isolation

Since the idea of this blog is to get moms to reach out to each other, to express honestly and without judgement the highs and lows of parenting, I will start with the topic that begins the withdrawal from mainstream for most mothers...isolation.

The feeling might stem from a physical barrier, such as living in the country or having a sick child that you need to keep at home. The feeling of isolation might also come from the sense that no one knows what you are going through. A new mom might feel inadaquate over her inability to get even the most basic of tasks done. A mother with grown children may be a full-time caregiver to her own aging parents.

Mothers who work might feel guilt. Mothers who stay home might feel like others don't see that they have a "real job". Perhaps your best friend really doesn't understand because she doesn't have children yet. Maybe you are an older parent who's friends no longer have young children.

Whatever the circumstances that are causing you to feel isolated from friends, family, co-workers or clients, it is important to know that there are millions of other women who have gone through or are going through the same thing. Maybe your best friend, husband, or mother can't offer the support you need, but there are many others who can. You must take the step to reach out and find mothers who can relate to your situation.

The internet is a one option. There are chat rooms, blogs, and online support groups where you can anonomously share your feelings. When my children were younger, I felt it helpful to journal about the frustrations of parenting, but by writing to myself, I didn't get the feedback that helped me to understand how common the feeling of isolation was among other mothers. Once I discovered online chat rooms with other moms, it did wonders to hear someone say, "I know how you feel." or "I feel the same way."