How to Cope with Loneliness as a Mom

Lonely mother

Being a mom is one of the most rewarding and challenging roles you'll ever take on.

You’re responsible for raising little humans, which is no small feat.

But while you pour your heart into your kids, you might sometimes feel like something is missing.

Maybe it’s adult conversation.

Maybe it’s companionship.

Maybe it’s simply the feeling that someone understands how overwhelming motherhood can be.

Loneliness as a mom is real. And it’s tough. But you're not alone in feeling this way.

Why Do Moms Feel Lonely?

The truth is, many moms feel isolated at some point in their journey.

Your days might be filled with tasks like feeding, changing, and playing, but somewhere along the way, it’s easy to feel cut off from your pre-mom life.

Mother sitting on a bench

Here are a few reasons this happens:

  • Changing Relationships: Before becoming a mom, you may have had more time to spend with friends, but now things are different.

    Your time and energy are often focused on your little ones, and that can make friendships harder to maintain.

  • Busy Schedules: Between nap times, school drop-offs, and everything in between, it feels like your schedule is packed.

    Carving out time for socializing can feel impossible.

  • Identity Shift: Motherhood changes you. You’re not the same person you were before kids, and figuring out who you are now can feel isolating.

But even though loneliness is common, there are ways to manage it.

You don’t have to go through this feeling alone.

How to Manage Loneliness in Motherhood

Sad mother

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step in coping with loneliness is recognizing it.

Many moms feel guilty about admitting they’re lonely.

They might think, "I have a family. I shouldn't feel this way."

But loneliness doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful for your kids. It’s okay to love them and still crave connection with others.

Let yourself feel what you feel.

You’re human, after all.

And there’s nothing wrong with acknowledging that motherhood can be isolating at times.

Giving yourself permission to admit you're lonely is the first step toward change.

2. Connect with Other Moms

One of the most powerful ways to combat loneliness is to find other moms who understand what you’re going through.

There’s something incredibly comforting about sharing your struggles with someone who gets it.

They’re in the trenches with you.

Here’s how you can start:

  • Join Local Mom Groups: Many communities have mom groups that meet for playdates, support, or even a coffee break.

    You’ll find moms who are eager to connect, just like you.

  • Online Support Groups: If leaving the house feels like too much right now, look for online mom communities.

    Social media platforms and forums can offer a sense of camaraderie, and you can interact on your schedule.

  • Start Small: It might feel intimidating to put yourself out there, but even a small connection can make a big difference.

    Start with just one person—a mom from school or your neighborhood.

Woman journaling in bed

3. Schedule “Me Time”

Motherhood is all-consuming, and it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs.

You might feel guilty for wanting time for yourself, but every mom deserves moments to recharge.

Loneliness sometimes stems from not spending time doing things that bring you joy.

Try this:

  • Set Aside Time for Hobbies: Whether it’s reading a book, crafting, or taking a walk, carve out some time each week for something that makes you happy.

  • Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask your partner, a family member, or a friend to watch the kids for a few hours.

    Even a small break can refresh your mind and spirit.

  • Let Go of Perfection: Sometimes, loneliness comes from feeling like you need to do it all alone.

    Give yourself grace and permission to take a break when you need it.

4. Prioritize Friendships

It can be hard to keep up with friendships once you become a mom, but friendships are key to feeling connected.

When you're busy with kids, it’s easy to put friendships on the back burner.

However, even short interactions can make a big difference in how connected you feel.

Consider these ideas:

  • Check-In with Friends: Even a quick text or a voice message can remind you that you’re still connected.

    Don’t worry if you can’t meet up often—just staying in touch is helpful.

  • Meet New People: Sometimes, you need to make new mom friends.

    Whether through a shared hobby, your kids’ activities, or even at the park, don't hesitate to strike up conversations with other parents.

  • Embrace Short Connections: Coffee dates, short walks, or even phone calls are great ways to stay connected without committing to hours-long hangouts.

Peaceful scene by the water

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Loneliness can bring up a lot of emotions—sometimes frustration, sometimes sadness.

It’s easy to start thinking, “I should be able to handle this better,” but please be kind to yourself.

Being a mom is hard work, and feeling lonely at times doesn’t mean you're failing. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough.

Try these self-compassion techniques:

  • Talk to Yourself Like a Friend: When negative thoughts pop up, ask yourself, “Would I say this to a friend?”

    Chances are, you’d be much kinder to a friend, so give yourself the same grace.

  • Remind Yourself You’re Not Alone: Many moms feel exactly what you’re feeling.

    The next time loneliness creeps in, remind yourself that this feeling is temporary, and there are ways to ease it.

6. Turn to God in Prayer

When you’re feeling alone, turning to God can be a powerful source of comfort and connection.

Prayer is a reminder that you are never truly alone.

It can be as simple as taking a moment to ask for strength, guidance, or peace in the middle of a hard day.

Lean on your faith during those moments of isolation and trust that God is walking with you through the ups and downs of motherhood.

Find ways to weave prayer into your day:

  • Start Your Day with Prayer: Even if it’s just a few minutes, taking the time to pray before the day’s chaos begins can ground you.

  • Pray During the Tough Moments: When things feel overwhelming, take a moment to pause, close your eyes, and connect with God. Ask for His strength and peace.

  • Find Comfort in Scripture: Read verses that remind you that God is with you, such as Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” Knowing that God is by your side can be a powerful comfort in times of loneliness.

7. Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, loneliness can become overwhelming.

If it starts to affect your mental health or daily functioning, it might be helpful to talk to a professional.

Therapists and counselors can provide support and guidance as you navigate these feelings.

You don’t have to deal with it alone.

Reaching out for help doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you're taking charge of your well-being.

Praying mom

Takeaways

Being a mom can be one of the most isolating and challenging roles, but you don’t have to navigate it by yourself.

It’s okay to feel lonely sometimes, and it’s okay to ask for help.

By connecting with others, prioritizing self-care, and being kind to yourself, you can work through the lonely moments and come out stronger.

Motherhood may sometimes feel isolating, but you’re surrounded by a community of other moms who get it.

We’re all in this together.

With love and solidarity,

Postpartum therapist
Mom therapist

Are you looking for support with mom loneliness? Let’s connect!

I will help you find solutions and immediate relief. Reach out for a free consultation today!

Related Articles:

Practical Tips to Overcome Mom Loneliness

Overcoming Postpartum Loneliness: A Journey to Connection and Support

Sources:

Lee, K., Vasileiou, K., & Barnett, J. (2019). ‘Lonely within the mother’: An exploratory study of first-time mothers’ experiences of loneliness. Journal of Health Psychology, 24(10), 1334–1344. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105317723451 

Kent-Marvick, J., Simonsen, S., Pentecost, R. et al. (2020). Loneliness in pregnant and postpartum people and parents of children aged 5 years or younger: a scoping review protocol. Systematic Review, 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01469-5 

Taylor, B., Howard, L., Jackson, K., Johnson, S., Mantovani, N., Nath, S., Sokolava, A., Sweeney, A. (2021). Mums Alone: Exploring the Role of Isolation and Loneliness in the Narratives of Women Diagnosed with Perinatal Depression. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(11), 2271.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8197355/

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