Fighting the Supermom Syndrome

Does being Supermom have you stressed out? It’s completely understandable. Women, especially working moms, have busy schedules and can feel overwhelmed by their never-ending to-do lists.

This syndrome affects millions of women around the country. It’s become such a common term, it’s listed in Webster’s Dictionary.

Working moms try to wear the cape and do it all, but for most, it leaves them feeling exhausted, depressed and overwhelmed. There needs to be balance.

“We have to do things to the best of our potential and be comfortable with that,” explains Mona Lal, M.D., a psychiatrist with Palos Medical Group. “People pride themselves in multitasking. There is some value to that, but it takes away the sense of living in the moment.”

Supermom syndrome has evolved over the decades. In the past, stay-at-home moms took care of everything (Think June Cleaver or Donna Reed). Now, more moms are working and feel like they have to prove themselves at home and take care of the outside world. It’s a huge responsibility and becoming a real issue for many women, according to Dr. Lal.

“I think we need to make it more of a reformed Supermom by learning to let go of some things,” she says. “We can get everything done, but not all at the same time. For many women, trying to do it all creates a Type A personality, which comes with consequences and contributes to unrealistic expectations.”

To maintain balance, Dr. Lal suggests having realistic expectations of both work and home life. “It’s important to do what you can to make your work life mesh more friendly with your personal life, so both units of life are running well together,” she says. “You shouldn’t immerse yourself in one particular role or task, but be able to adopt to different situations and allow some imperfections to happen.”

Finding Balance

As part of Palos Community Hospital’s 2014 Women’s Health Series, Dr. Lal will discuss Supermom Syndrome and how to take control of the work/life balance.

The free program, “Working Moms: How to Manage the Stress,” will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, October 27, at Palos Health & Fitness Center, 15430 West Ave., Orland Park. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required; visit PalosCommunityHospital.org or call (708) 226-2300.