As the first day of school approached, I wanted to create a sweet memory for my kids. I woke up early, hoping to whip up a breakfast that would nourish their minds and hearts before they headed out the door. The plan included crispy bacon, warm croissants, and fresh fruit, all served with love. I envisioned a cozy morning filled with laughter, excitement, and anticipation about the school year ahead.
However, reality often paints a different picture. Two of my kids overslept, there was chaos over who used the hot water, and one of them had an unfortunate accident. The bacon turned out undercooked, the croissants were burnt, and the fruit sat untouched. The morning quickly transformed into a scene far from my idealized vision.
With the school bus looming, I had to rely on my daughter’s vague memory of where it would stop, which led to yet another frantic scramble. Barefoot and braless, I gathered our two youngest and urged the older ones to hurry. The anxiety of the situation only intensified when the bus passed without stopping for them. Panic set in as I realized we were about to be late on the very first day of school.
We barely made it before the bell rang. I felt a rush of guilt wash over me as I dropped them off. I apologized to my daughter, but I could see that my frustration had taken its toll.
On the drive home, the tension in my shoulders told me I was carrying the weight of parental guilt. It hit me that I hadn’t even taken a single photo to commemorate the day, too caught up in the chaos to capture the moment.
As I reflected, I realized that soon, social media would be flooded with perfect back-to-school photos of well-dressed kids, ready to embark on a new year. I decided to share a candid snapshot of myself outside our van—hair in disarray, holding my prescription bottle of Xanax—accompanied by a caption about my morning disaster.
Most of the comments were supportive from fellow parents who appreciated my honesty. However, I also faced a barrage of criticism from strangers labeling me as “an addict” and a “bad mom.” One commenter even felt compelled to warn me against driving while medicated, assuming my experience with Xanax mirrored hers. Another, who later deleted her comment, claimed she would pray for my “innocent children” being raised by a “weak mother.”
I couldn’t help but wonder if these critics would leave similar comments on posts celebrating moms enjoying a glass of wine or sharing memes about needing a drink. It seems that while drinking is often excused and even lauded, using prescribed medication to manage one’s mental health invites judgment and scorn.
This isn’t about condemning alcohol; it’s about addressing the unfair double standard that exists. Moms who drink are often portrayed as fun and relatable, while those of us who rely on medication are branded as lacking strength or competency.
The truth is, I’m a better parent because I take medication. It allows me to manage my mental health effectively, ensuring I can care for myself and my children. This societal bias against those who use prescribed pharmaceuticals is not only unfair but also dangerous.
For more insights on this important topic, check out our post on medicated moms and mental health. And if you’re exploring options for starting a family, consider visiting Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits. For additional information on pregnancy and related resources, Women’s Health is an excellent place to start.
Summary:
The article discusses the double standard faced by mothers who use prescribed medication for mental health issues compared to those who drink alcohol. It highlights the judgment and stigma surrounding medicated moms while celebrating the societal acceptance of drinking. The author emphasizes the importance of mental health management in parenting and challenges the negative perceptions associated with medication use.
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