Women are often expected to be the glue of the household, and never was that glue more tested than over the last 18 months. With heavy disruptions to work life, schooling, childcare, social life and much more, so many pieces that make women who they are took a backseat during the COVID-19 pandemic. As did women’s employment, with as many as 3 million unemployed due to other obligations, and 1.2 million fewer working mothers in 2020. And as many as 1 in 3 women have considered leaving the workforce over the past year.
With obligations high and options low, anxiety, depression and burnout are real, driving women toward escapes like drinking regularly at home, made more acceptable than ever as a solution to women’s problems through marketing and social media, and made easier than ever to fulfill with home delivery, avoiding the need to make recurring trips to the store.
So when is it too much? That varies from person to person, but significant disruptions to sleep patterns, eating habits, mood and interactions with family can all be red flags. And if you hear “I can’t keep doing this anymore” in your head, but without an answer, then it may be time to reach out for help.
Connection is a key component for any type of recovery, be it substance use or mental health. It can be with a counselor, a friend, a parent, a mentor, even a personal trainer—the list goes on and on. Reaching out, being vulnerable and sharing your struggles are all great initial steps. And at any step along the way, the experts at Rosecrance are always here to provide support and give you the tools you need for the change you need.
If you or a woman you care about is experiencing any mental health or substance use issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, take a listen to series 3, episode 1 of the Rosecrance podcast “On Your Radar,” which covers the unique impact of the pandemic on women.
Download “On Your Radar: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women” series 3, episode 1, HERE.