The Silent Struggle: Single Moms and Mental Health Challenges
Imagine you earn minimum wage and your rent just increased, you have no money left for food, no child support payments coming in, your friends start ghosting you and your problems, you have no extended family, and you don’t like to ask for help from people you don’t know very well. Welcome to the life of a single mom.
Being a mother is rewarding and challenging. Balancing the responsibilities of parenting, financial stability, and personal well-being can take a toll on mental health. In this blog post, we shed light on the unique challenges faced by single moms and the impact it can have on their mental well-being. Single moms don’t like to ask for help and often don’t even believe they need help. For some single moms, stressors can pile up, leading to a mental health crisis.
1. Overwhelming Responsibilities:
Single moms often find themselves juggling multiple roles simultaneously. They are not only the primary caregivers but also the sole breadwinner, decision-makers, and emotional support systems for their children. The sheer weight of these responsibilities can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed.
2. Sleep deprivation:
Single moms rarely get enough sleep. When their kids are asleep, they get things done. Household chores, night shifts, studying, and other responsibilities often compete with a good night’s rest. Without enough sleep, it is difficult to cope and get back on track.
3. Financial Strain:
Financial stability is a significant concern for single moms. They may face difficulties finding stable employment, securing affordable housing, and providing for their children's needs. The constant worry about making ends meet can lead to anxiety, depression, and a sense of helplessness, further exacerbating mental health challenges.
4. Social Isolation:
Single moms often experience social isolation due to the demands of parenting and limited time for socializing. The lack of a partner or support system can leave them feeling lonely and disconnected. The absence of emotional support and understanding can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety.
5. Limited Time for Self-Care:
Single moms often prioritize their children's needs above their own, leaving little time for self-care. The constant demands of parenting and managing household responsibilities can leave them feeling exhausted and depleted. Neglecting self-care activities, such as exercise, hobbies, or relaxation, can negatively impact mental health and overall well-being.
6. Stigma and Judgment:
Single moms may face societal stigma and judgment, which can further impact their mental health. Society's expectations and stereotypes can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy. The fear of being judged can prevent them from seeking help or support, exacerbating their mental health challenges.
7. Lack of Emotional Support:
Having a solid support system is crucial for maintaining good mental health. However, single moms often lack the emotional support they need. The absence of a partner or strained relationships with family and friends can leave them feeling isolated and emotionally drained. When a woman becomes a single mom, whether by choice or circumstance, her friends often drift away just when she needs them the most. Friends may choose sides, feel awkward, or be unable to relate to a single mom’s new reality. Unfortunately, disconnection from a community gives rise to feelings of alienation and hopelessness.
8. Conflict with the other parent:
Divorce and separation are hard enough, but continuing conflict with a child’s other parent can erode a single mom’s mental health. Withholding child support, bullying, and manipulation, adds to daily stress.
9. Having a child with special needs:
Couples parenting children with special needs are more likely to divorce than the general population. If the mom has custody, they end up being the primary care giver.
10. Abusive past:
A significant number of moms have left abusive relationships. Although they’ve made the brave choice to leave, the psychological trauma lingers and can be easily triggered. Too many single moms carry a heavy burden of pain without support or resources, which is often expressed in PTSD, depression, and other mental health challenges.
11. Stigma and judgment:
Stereotypes are often experienced by single mothers. Judgments can come from anyone at any time—from a child’s teacher, another parent, or a coworker. Also, single moms are often faced with negative assumptions about their parenting skills.
Single moms face a unique set of challenges that can significantly impact their mental health. It is essential to recognize and address these challenges to support their well-being. Society must work towards reducing stigma, providing accessible mental health resources, and fostering a supportive environment for single moms. Additionally, single moms should prioritize self-care, seek out support networks, and not hesitate to reach out for professional help when needed. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, we can empower single moms to navigate their journey with resilience and improved mental well-being.
For Single moms facing mental health challenges, here are five actions that can increase your sense of well-being:
Build a support network. Connect with other single moms who share similar challenges.
Ask for help: Even strong, independent women need help every now and then.
Practice self-care: It doesn’t have to be expensive or take a lot of time, but it’s a necessity
Seek professional support: Counseling is literally a lifesaver when mental health is at stake.
There are many resources in and around the city for those who need them. Here are some that you can always count on.
Mental health and counselling resources in Calgary
Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line: 24 hours/7 days per week 1-877-303-2642
Addiction Helpline: 1-866-332-2322
• Confidential support, information, and referrals for Albertans experiencing mental health concerns.
• The line is staffed by a multidisciplinary team comprised of nurses, psychiatric nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and psychologists.
Alberta Health Services: Mental Health Urgent Care:
• 24 Hour Crisis Line: 403-266-4357
• 403-543-1967 (Hearing impaired)
Urgent Mental Health at Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre: 403-955-6200
1213 4 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta
8:00am-10:00pm, 7 days a week.
No appointment necessary through the Urgent Care department. Individuals need to go through triage and register with Urgent Care. Virtual Mental Health: Virtual addiction and mental health supports are available through video, telephone, and messagingUrgent Mental Health conditions may include:
depression
anxiety
thoughts of suicide or harming oneself
overwhelming stress
addictions
other situations that cause a person to be in crisis
South Calgary Health Centre:
31 Sunpark Plaza SE, Calgary, Alberta
Mental Health Urgent Care: 403-943-9383
8:00am – 10:00pm, 7 days/week. Adult Mental Health Service (second floor)
Adult Mental Health Service (second floor)
403-943-1500 from Monday-Friday: 8am-4pm
Mental Health Walk-in (second floor):
403-943-1500 from Mon – Thurs: 4pm-7pm, Fri: 9am-12pm
The Distress Centre: 403-266-4357
500, 999 8th Street SW, Calgary
Crisis Support
• 24 Hour Crisis Line: 403-266-4357
• 403-543-1967 (Hearing impaired)
• Online chat also available:
https://www.distresscentre.com/need-help/(Mon-Fri 3-10pm, Sat & Sun 12-10pm)
Insight Counselling & Therapy Centre: 403-210-0334
4620 Manilla Rd SE Calgary, AB
• Individual Counselling & Therapy: therapists can help with mental illness, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, suicide, and personal growth.
• Couples counselling
• “Just Breath” program for ages six to twelve years old that focuses on anger and feelings management.
• Sessions are on a sliding scale
Hope for Wellness Line: 1-855-242-3310
Online Chat: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/
• Offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent Help Line counsellors can help if you: want to talk, are distressed, have strong emotional reactions and/or are triggered by painful memories.
• Telephone and online counselling are available in English and French.
• On request, telephone counselling is also available in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA): 403-263-4414
200, 138 4th Ave SE
Counselling for Immigrant Women
Provides immigrant women (including seniors and youth) with the opportunity to become involved in the community
and develop a sense of belonging.
• One-on-one individual counselling
• Group counselling sessions
• Educational sessions focusing on women’s health, mental health, and well-being
• Group wellness and community engagement activities
• In-home support
• Intergenerational activities between seniors and youth
Eastside Family Counselling: 403-299-9699
255 495 36 St. NE
Single-session counselling to individuals, couples and families
Youth and their families – up to six appointments with the same qualified therapist
Therapy or Counselling via E-mail
Single session eTherapy free of cost
Complete the intake form online and email to EFC.eCounselling@woodshomes.ca
Inglewood Campus: 1008 14 St. SE (403-262-9953)
Carya Family Services: 403-269-9888
180, 839 5 Ave SW
Intake Coordinator: 403-205-5244
caryacalgary.ca
Counselling/supports for individuals, families, older adults, and youth-focused on abuse, anxiety, trauma, anger management, addiction, and self-esteem.
• fees based on a sliding scale
• provided through 10 community offices and some language support is available
Catholic Family Service: 403-233-2360
250, 707 – 10 Avenue SW Calgary, AB
https://www.cfs-ab.org/
intake@cfs-ab.org
• Pay what you can
• No wait list
• For individuals, couples, and families
• Call or email to book an appointment
Calgary Counselling Centre: 403-265-4980
Suite 1000-105, 12 Avenue SE Calgary, AB
Register for Counselling: 833-827-4229 (Mon-Fri: 9 am-4 pm)
calgarycounselling.com
• provides counselling for individuals, couples, children, youth, and families. Counsellors have experience in helping with a wide range of topics.
• no waitlist
• fees based on sliding scare
• Register online (open 24 hours/day) or call for intake
• Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8:30 am-7:30 pm Friday: 8:30 am-5 pm, Saturday: 9 am-3:30 pm
Community Connect YYC
Communityconnectyyc.ca
• Provides online booking for affordable counselling known as Rapid Access Counselling for a variety of areas including Grief, General counselling, Children and Families, Domestic Violence and Sexual Health
• Often same-day appointments can be booked online
• Counsellors are either through Catholic Family Services or CUPS
• Can also provide connection to longer-term supports and basic needs
Jewish Family Service: 403-287-3510
420, 5920 1A St SW
• Limited counselling for individuals, children/youth, families, couples and groups
• Mental Health Support Line: short-term, brief intervention for individuals who are struggling with their mental health due to the pandemic.
o Therapy provided by a registered provisional psychologist.
o Up to three sessions free of charge.
o Open to all individuals.
• Seniors Mental Health & Addiction Response Team: a team consisting of a social worker and licensed practical nurse that specializes in mental health and addiction.
• All faiths and cultures welcome
• Fees based on a sliding scale
• Email: info@jfsc.org
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm, Friday 8:30 am-2 pm
Sagesse: 403-234-7337 or 587-801-7337
Sagesse empowers individuals, organizations and communities to disrupt structures of domestic abuse through curating environments for people to develop skills and lead safe, healthy lives.
Email: info@sagesse.org
Book an appointment with our intake team >
Register for a peer support program >
SupportWorks: 403-305-4465
223 12 Ave SW
supportworks.ca
• Free weekly adult mental health support groups for adults living with anxiety, depression, bipolar, obsessive-compulsive and post-traumatic stress disorders.
• Drop-in: look at the calendar for locations and times.
• Hosted at various locations throughout Calgary.
contact@supportwork.ca
Togetherall
https://alberta.cmha.ca/togetherall-virtual-mental-health/
• online peer-to-peer mental health community to anonymously seek and provide support 24/7
• Safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively and learn how to manage your mental health
• Available to all Albertans 16+
The Women’s Centre Calgary
https://www.womenscentrecalgary.org
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA)
