“Supermoms” Have Greater Risk for Depression

New research suggests that women who buy into the whole “supermom” myth are at a greater risk for depression than those family matriarchs who admit they can’t do it all.

According to the new study, working mothers who think they can live up to the “supermom” image by doing it all, both at home and in the workplace, suffer from higher levels of depression than do moms who admit to having limitations.

Lead study author Katrina Leupp, a University of Washington sociology graduate said, “Women are sold a story that they can do it all, but most workplaces are still designed for employees without child-care responsibilities.”

However, Leupp pointed out that striking a healthy balance can be accomplished by stating, “In reality, juggling home and work lives requires some sacrifice, such as cutting back on work hours, and getting husbands to help more. You can happily combine child-rearing and a career if you’re willing to let some things slide.”

For the study, the researchers reviewed survey responses of 1,600 women who participated in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, which was administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Participants included both working mothers and stay-at-home moms from across the United States who were all age 40 and married.

The research team analyzed past survey responses to questions regarding balancing work and home life. In answering survey questions as young adults, the women were asked to rank their level of agreement with statements such as “Working wives lead to more juvenile delinquency,” “A woman is happiest if she can stay at home with her children,” and “A woman who fulfills her family responsibilities doesn’t have time for a job outside the home.”

How women answered the questions at an earlier age enabled Leupp to measure their levels of depression at age 40. She found that stay-at-home moms suffered more symptoms of depression than did the working moms. Leupp noted, “Employment is ultimately beneficial for women’s health, even when differences in marital satisfaction and working full or part time are ruled out.” The results of the study mirrors the findings of other similar studies, leading Leupp to note her agreement with the old adage, “Stay-at-home moms have the hardest job in the world.”

But the study also looked at the other side of the work versus non-work coin and found that among working women having the “supermom” attitude that they could effortlessly combine caring for their family and job responsibilities, the risk of suffering from depression was greater. In comparison, working mothers who were realistic in their expectations of themselves were at a much lower risk for depression. “Employed women who expected that work-life balance was going to be hard are probably more likely to accept that they can’t do it all,” Leupp said.

Mothers who realize their limitations are typically more comfortable making allowances in the workplace to manage home life, such as leaving work early to pick up the kids from school. These trade-offs help balance their home and job responsibilities, and ward off depression.

However, women who aspire to be “supermoms” may suffer depression when they begin suffer feelings of guilt because they are not meeting their own high expectations. “Supermoms have higher expectations for fairness, so it makes sense that they would be more frustrated with the division of household chores,” Leupp said.

As for whether or not it is better for women to work outside the home, Leupp said, “Employment is still ultimately good for women’s health, but for better mental health, working moms should accept that they can’t do it all.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 19 million Americans suffer from depression. It is estimated that 10 percent to 25 percent of women, and 5 percent to 12 percent of men will become clinically depressed at some point in their lives. Depression is so rampant that it is often called the common cold of mental illness. Add in the state of the economy, and the fragile job market, and a recipe for depression is made among working mothers.

Help is available for people with depression. If you believe you are suffering from depression, consult your healthcare provider to discuss the options available for relief of symptoms of depression to let you get on with your life in a more positive light.