SAN DIEGO — There’s a growing number of parents experiencing loneliness.
The results are according to a new survey published by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
The survey reported that 66% of more than 1,000 parents surveyed felt the demands of parenthood sometimes or frequently left them feeling isolated and lonely, while nearly 40% felt as if they have no one to support them in their parenting role.
The survey also revealed about 62% of participants — over half the dads and two-thirds of moms — felt burned out by their responsibilities as a parent.
Aimee Cruz, a working mom of two, says with so much of her focus on her kids, she often feels isolated and alone, in part because of a lack of adult interactions.
“Definitely, there's like times where, you know, I'll just be like, man, it'd be fun to have someone to, like, talk to you right now. I mean, yeah, we get so caught up in our day to day activities, you know, what we're doing for work, what we're having for dinner, getting into soccer practice," said Cruz.
“Loneliness, I think comes from just again, the busyness of what's going on in our lives,” said Dr. Kelsey Bradshaw, a clinical psychologist at Sharp Mesa Vista.
Dr. Bradshaw says because of our busy lives and added stresses, such as finances, a lot of parents don't take the time to focus on themselves, which can make those feelings of loneliness even worse.
“We may be so focused on providing for or taking care of our kids and doing their activities that we neglect what we need to do for ourselves. I oftentimes talk to families and use the analogy of what flight attendants say to you when you're on a plane and an oxygen mask drops, right? So we have to put that oxygen mask on ourselves first.," said Dr. Bradshaw.
Dr. Bradshaw suggests going on a walk, meeting up with a friend, or dividing up tasks in your household.
“I think being aware of you know, that they are feeling lonely, or if they are experiencing some feelings of burnout is a good sign to kind of take a step back and think about what their day to day life looks like,” said Dr. Bradshaw.
Talking with a professional can also help.
For Cruz, she's found support in other moms.
She founded the group 'Moms on Maternity' which encourages moms to meet and lean on one another, as a reminder, you're not alone.
"I do truly believe in that idea of having balance - taking time for yourself. Because if you can fill your own cup, you can pour more for your kids," said Cruz.
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