Mothers play a major role in a child’s life, from conception to infancy and adulthood. They are often the caregivers and nurturers who provide support, comfort, and guidance. They also play a vital role in the child’s cognitive and intellectual development. Since mothers are the primary caregivers, it can take a huge toll on their mental and emotional well-being when their child struggles with addiction.
It is the natural instinct of parents, especially mothers, to devote themselves entirely to helping out their children struggling with addiction. However, they will soon start feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and powerless, which can negatively impact their health. They need to understand that to support and care for their child; they must be in good health. And self-care is the key for mothers to maintain their health and well-being while supporting their children through recovery.
We often consider self-care as part of a luxury lifestyle. However, self-care is not a luxury, especially for those with a loved one struggling with substance use disorder. It is a vital component for survival in such situations. Taking care of oneself allows for the restoration of energy and patience needed to cope with the challenges of supporting a loved one in recovery. By prioritizing self-care, individuals can promote wellness and enhance their emotional intelligence, improving their ability to interact with and support their loved ones effectively.
But how can mothers with a child struggling with addiction take care of themselves? Dive into this article to explore some self-care strategies for mothers when their loved one has an addiction.
Prioritize Mind-body Health
Harmony between mind and body plays a major role in overall well-being; if one is not functioning well, it can impact the other. When there is harmony between the mind and body, individuals experience a sense of balance, calmness, and inner peace. By incorporating physical exercise and holistic practices focused on the body, one can improve emotional regulation, enhance inner calmness, and establish a healthy way of reconnecting with oneself, reducing stress, and increasing self-awareness.
To support your overall well-being, you can engage in various activities, including:
- Going for walks or running
- Taking yoga class
- Getting a massage
When the body feels relaxed and free from tension, the mind can also experience a sense of calm and inner tranquillity. Practising these activities regularly can provide a healthy way to connect with oneself, reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve overall physical and mental health.
Engage in enjoyable activities
Engaging in enjoyable activities is an important strategy for mothers with a child struggling with addiction. When mothers are completely consumed with their child’s recovery, they may neglect their own needs and interests, leading to burnout and resentment. However, mothers can reduce their stress levels and uplift their mood by taking time to do things that bring joy and fulfilment.
Mothers can recharge their emotional batteries by finding time for activities they enjoy, such as reading, gardening, or spending time with friends. By doing things that they love, mothers will be able to maintain their own identity and will be able to better cope with the challenges of supporting a child struggling with addiction.
Practice mindfulness
When mothers are dealing with their child’s addiction, they may experience a range of negative emotions, such as fear, guilt, and anger. These emotions can be overwhelming and may interfere with their coping ability. By practising mindfulness, mothers will be able to live in the present. They can manage anxiety and stress better and approach their responsibilities with greater clarity and focus.
Seek professional help
Seeking the assistance of trained mental health professionals who are trained to support families of addicted individuals can be a great help. Today, you can find many addiction treatment centres that cater to the needs of the family of addicted individuals as well. You can also look into Rehab Near Me to find the best treatments to help mothers develop healthy coping mechanisms, set boundaries, and communicate effectively with their children struggling with addiction.
These rehab centres provide counselling and various therapy sessions that provide a safe and supportive space for mothers to discuss their feelings and experiences with addiction. Thus, seeking professional guidance can be a critical step towards healing and growth for the individual and their loved ones.
Love yourself
Though parents significantly impact their children’s upbringing, it is essential to recognize that as children grow older, they become more independent and start making their own choices. Parents can provide guidance and support, but ultimately, the decisions made by their adult children are their own. Therefore, mothers should not blame themselves for their child’s addiction. Furthermore, blaming oneself can lead to guilt, shame, and helplessness, making it challenging to provide the necessary support and care for their child.
When your loved one is struggling with addiction, it is natural that you feel overwhelmed, helpless, and stressed. As a mother, your child’s addiction will consume your life, and everything else, including self-care, will take a backseat. However, you need to understand that only if you have enough energy and are in the right headspace you will have the patience to cope with your problems. Understand that practising self-care is not a luxury but a basic necessity to develop resilience, tolerance, and patience, which is vital to navigating through the addiction recovery journey of your child.