Mum rage is a term used to describe the intense anger and frustration some mothers feel. It’s more than just the daily stress of parenting; it’s a powerful emotion that can feel overwhelming and uncontrollable.
What Causes Mum Rage?
The transition to motherhood is one of the most deeply rewarding and yet relentlessly challenging periods in a woman’s life. The constant demands of parenting, the necessity of sacrificing one’s own needs to ensure one’s child’s needs are met, and the internal and external pressures of being a “good “mother, can understandably lead to a sense of overwhelm. Not to mention the cumulative sleep deprivation, social isolation, and hormonal changes, all while juggling work, household responsibilities, and childcare.
When mothers have difficulty regulating their own emotions as a result of all of these challenges and demands, they can sometimes lose their temper with an intensity rarely felt before. After a fit of rage might be subsequent feelings of intense shame and guilt about the impact this has had on their relationship with their child.
The first thing to know is that dealing with these intense feelings is part of being a mother, or a parent for that matter. Intense and overwhelming loving feelings, as well as intense and overwhelming angry feelings, are actually different sides of the same coin. Understanding the reasons why these feelings are present and learning how to cope with them is an important part of the journey you are on as a mother.
Psychologists can help provide emotional containment, perspective and understanding during this transition period and can assist you with regaining an emotionally regulated state, which is turn helps improve the health of your relationship with your child.
A psychologist helps you identify the specific situations or thoughts that trigger your anger. By understanding these triggers, you can develop healthier responses and reduce the intensity of your rage.
Talking to a psychologist gives you a safe space to express your feelings without judgement. This can be incredibly relieving and can help you feel less isolated in your experience. Sometimes, mum rage is connected to deeper issues like unresolved trauma, anxiety, or depression. A psychologist can also help you explore these underlying issues and work towards healing them.
A psychologist can also help you improve communication with your partner and family. This can reduce misunderstandings and build a stronger support system, making it easier to manage the demands of motherhood.
Working with a psychologist can have long-term benefits, not just for managing these intense emotional responses but also for your overall well-being. By learning to handle your emotions more effectively, you can create a more peaceful environment at home, build stronger relationships, and feel more in control of your life.
If you would like further information, please contact Mindwell Psychology on 03 5215 6262 to speak with one of our Psychologists.