I firmly believe that “Mommy Brain” is a genuine medical condition affecting many mothers today. The mental fog that accompanies the relentless exhaustion can impair our decision-making, lead to forgetfulness, and leave us eagerly anticipating our children’s bedtime, allowing us to unwind with Netflix and snacks. I thought my struggles with Mommy Brain were considerable prior to the pandemic, but they have escalated tremendously during this quarantine period.
Example of the New Normal
Take last week as an example. With social distancing measures in effect, most of our planned medical appointments have been canceled or transitioned to telehealth. Nevertheless, one appointment was critical: delivering my preteen’s broken retainer to the orthodontist. As we enjoyed lunch, my husband reminded me, “Don’t we have an appointment today?” I quickly glanced at the clock and realized we had only nineteen minutes to reach the office across town.
I had noted the appointment in my planner, set a reminder on my phone, and even mentioned it to my daughter. Yet, did I recall it? Not at all. It seems that whenever an alarm goes off on my phone, I often look around and ask, “Does anyone know what that’s for?”
The Impact of Quarantine
This new normal has severely impacted my ability to recall and manage the few outings we have. My routine has been completely upended. Before everything changed, I was balancing four kids in school, multiple appointments, errands, and extracurricular activities daily. I would crash into bed each night only to rise early the next morning for another chaotic day.
Before COVID-19 disrupted our lives, many parents were so busy that missing a detail felt like knocking over the first domino in a long line. For those of us with larger families, the stakes were even higher, as each child comes with their own agenda and needs.
Now, as circumstances have drastically shifted, mothers—who often shoulder the majority of responsibilities—must recalibrate for everyone. We are juggling more roles than ever, including acting as our children’s distance-learning educators. Additionally, we are tasked with helping our kids maintain their mental and emotional health during a crisis that has turned their worlds upside down. Older children are mourning missed proms and graduations, while younger ones long to see their friends and teachers.
The Struggle for Clarity
There’s little time for mothers to relax or think clearly. We might jot something down or set an alarm, but when the time comes, we often forget the task at hand. Even with the orthodontist sending me texts, emails, and reminder calls the day prior, I still forgot where I needed to be at 1:40 p.m. on Tuesday. I can’t even keep track of the day of the week. Did I eat breakfast? What day of quarantine are we on? It feels like we’ve been in this for 2,687 days.
Though I typically pride myself on being organized, I find myself struggling to regain my footing. The children’s sleep patterns have been disrupted, likely due to anxiety stemming from quarantine life, which in turn affects my own sleep. Every morning, my inbox is flooded with ten or more school emails. What’s the password for that learning app? Why isn’t the Wi-Fi working? Who is crying? What’s for dinner? How can we be out of coffee?
My kids have missed their Zoom meetings, and we’ve logged on late or just in time. We’ve lost assignments in the chaos, and with four sets of work to track, it’s overwhelming. My own work often doesn’t get addressed until just before dinner, as I have no moment to spare until then.
Managing Anxiety
In addition to being a 24/7 mom, nurse, teacher, and therapist, I’m also managing my own generalized anxiety disorder, which fluctuates just like everyone else’s. Many mothers face anxiety or depression, sometimes both, making social isolation even more challenging. Activities that usually help, such as counseling, exercise, and self-care, are often impossible to access or only available in small doses.
I strive to grant myself grace during this unprecedented time. This strange and often overwhelming reality has left many mothers feeling frustrated, fatigued, and lost in a haze. Forgetfulness is part of the deal. Our brains are filled to the brim with daily responsibilities and the emotional turbulence that the pandemic brings. We are simply trying to get through each hour, hoping we’re managing adequately.
You Are Not Alone
If you find your Mommy Brain is at an all-time high, know that you’re not alone. Almost every mother I’ve spoken with is navigating similar challenges, all while wishing for a return to some semblance of normalcy. For now, we need to do our best and focus on what truly matters: the health and safety of our families.
For further insights on home insemination, you can explore this article. Additionally, if you’re looking for quality resources on artificial insemination, check out this comprehensive guide. Furthermore, WebMD offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
The quarantine has exacerbated the mental load of motherhood, leading to increased forgetfulness and anxiety for many mothers. As routines have been disrupted and responsibilities have multiplied, mothers find themselves juggling more roles than ever, from educators to emotional support. Many are struggling to keep track of appointments, schoolwork, and their own mental health, all while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for their families.