Mental health of ‘housewives’

AS discussed in previous articles, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can make a meaningful contribution to their community.

Women who work in the home, stay-athome wives, or housewives play a pivotal role in our families and our communities. They often bear the burden of unacknowledged, unpaid work and round-the-clock responsibilities that can affect mental well-being.

The role of the housewife

The contribution of women who work in the home, stay-at-home mothers, and housewives is often misunderstood, under-rated, and poorly acknowledged. Women often keep households running, plan and prepare meals, care for children, assist with educating children, care for the elderly and the sick, and manage extended families.

Women who work in the home, stayat-home mothers, and housewives are integral to how families and society work, these roles however, can affect their mental health and well-being.

Factors that can affect the mental

well-being of housewives

◆ Enormous care-giving responsibilities: may lead to burnout (physical and emotional exhaustion, change in attitude, and inefficiency in their role) ◆ Juggling multiple responsibilities: housewives often function as wives/ partners, mothers, housekeepers and cleaners, cooks, organisers and administrators, early childhood educators, and for some a taxi service for school-going children. This can lead to stress and anxiety, feelings of being overwhelmed, and being stretched thin.

◆ Societal and family expectations: the role of the housewife brings many expectations from family and society. This can lead to challenges with self-esteem, sense of self-worth, and self-confidence.

◆ Struggling to manage a limited single income: for lower-earning families, the challenges of budgeting and managing a limited single income can be stressful and anxiety-provoking.

◆ Limited social interaction outside of children and partner: being a housewife can be socially isolating with little time for social interactions outside of the family. Social isolation is a risk factor for depression.

I am a stay-at-home mother, housewife, or a woman who works within the home, how can I maintain my mental well-being?

1. Be emotionally aware, emotionally authentic, and honest with yourself so that you can realise when you are struggling emotionally and seek appropriate care

2. Invest in deep, authentic relationships to strengthen meaningful social support

3. Manage your self-talk, determine to build your sense of self-worth

4. Find balance and make time to rest, the work never gets done

5. Manage expectations from family and society, know yourself and what you want for your life

6. Seek to live a meaningful life, value yourself and the input you are making in the lives of your family

If you think that you or a woman that you know may be experiencing a mental health problem, please contact your nearest healthcare provider and get help.

Association of Health Care Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) article written by Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse, Consultant Psychiatrist.