KARACHI:
I want to talk about something we don’t really talk about; the tiredness that stay-at-home mothers carry every single day. We always hear about burnout at offices, deadlines, long working hours and stressful jobs. But nobody really asks how a mother feels after cooking three meals, cleaning the house, helping kids with homework, and still being expected to smile when everyone comes home.
In our society, taking care of home and children is seen as “just her duty”, not real work. Because of this, when a mother feels tired, low or mentally drained, people often don’t take it seriously. She is told things like “you sit at home all day” or “what tiredness, you don’t even have a job”. This makes her feel guilty for being exhausted, even though her day is full from morning to night without any real break.
This quiet burnout affects a mother’s mental health badly. She may feel alone, unappreciated, and even lose her own identity slowly, because her whole day revolves around everyone else’s needs. Sadly, most mothers don’t share this with anyone, thinking it will sound ungrateful or dramatic.
I believe this needs more attention. Families should understand that raising children and running a house is real, tiring work, and mothers deserve rest, appreciation, and someone to talk to as well. A simple “thank you” or a little help at home can make a big difference.
I hope this reaches the people who need to hear it, and that we start valuing the silent efforts of mothers around us.
Noor Fatima
Karachi
