Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Countless families today depend on a dual income to help meet increasing financial demands and the rising cost of living. For many families, this means both fathers and mothers are required to work outside the home in order to support themselves financially.
It is not uncommon for mothers today to work outside the home on either a full time or part time basis, raising children while simultaneously finding ways to earn money to help meet the financial needs of the family.
Being a working mother can be something that is either necessary or done by choice, and mothers may find both challenges and joys associated with this. While having a career outside of the family can be rewarding, it can also add many new obstacles and pressures.
A Mother’s Work is Never Done
Some working mothers may find themselves spread thin or overwhelmed with the task of caring for children and a home and maintaining a rigorous work schedule. Many working mothers spend their days away from their children, only to come home to the needs of a family that often include cooking, bathing, cleaning, etc. It is often said that the work of a mother is never finished.
Some working mothers may find the challenges they face on a daily basis too overwhelming to cope with, turning to unhealthy means of dealing with stress and pressure. For working mothers who are susceptible to addictive type behaviors and who are using prescription medications on a daily basis, this can become a means by which they learn to cope.
Some working mothers may be taking prescription medications to:
- Manage anxiety
- Depression
- Mood disorders
Others may perhaps utilize the prescription medications of others in their household, such as:
- Painkillers
- Stimulants
- Tranquilizers
- Sleeping medications
Inappropriate Prescription Drug Abuse
If a medication is ever used outside the parameters for which it was prescribed, this is considered a form of abuse. Though there are many challenges associated with begin a working mother, prescription medication is not an appropriate method of coping with the stressors that come with these many responsibilities.
If you are a working mother and have found yourself using prescription medication inappropriately, confide in someone you trust to begin the process of getting the help you need.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What are some of the unique challenges that working mothers face?
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions and co-occurring disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals. We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on October 29th, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com