Single motherhood: How to cope with loneliness and lack of support?

Single motherhood is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon, and with it comes increasing emotional difficulties that affect many women. It’s a challenge that doesn’t end with daily responsibilities – loneliness and lack of support often accompany every step. The burden of responsibility, constant fatigue and lack of a moment’s rest can lead to a sense of isolation. Women in this situation often feel that they must be strong at all costs, although deep down they crave support. Loneliness, though difficult, often becomes the silent companion of these remarkable, loving and dedicated women.

Table of Contents:

• Loneliness as an invisible burden in the glow of motherhood
• How to deal with loneliness and lack of support?
• Single motherhood in numbers

Loneliness as an invisible burden in the glow of motherhood

Single motherhood is a journey full of unpredictable twists and turns, the beginning of which is often not planned or desired, and yet it becomes a daily reality for thousands of women. It is a life that unfolds in the shadow of the glow of maternal love, full of moments of joy when the baby takes its first steps or utters its first words, but these moments are also pierced by deep loneliness. This is a special kind of loneliness – constantly present, though rarely noticed. Women who face single motherhood have to face challenges that never rest.

Day after day, it’s a struggle to maintain balance, as all responsibilities, worries and decisions rest on their shoulders. They are the ones who have to be the keepers of the household, the only confidants of the children’s secrets and the guardians of their future. Every moment is a race against time and fatigue, as there is no one with whom to share the daily burden, no one to take over even temporarily the responsibility, give respite, offer support. Sometimes the most difficult thing becomes that silence that falls when the child falls asleep and the mother is left alone with her thoughts. That’s when the sense of loneliness hits hardest – the lack of a companion to share these invisible burdens with her.

In this reality, loneliness is not only limited to the physical absence of another person. It’s also an emotional void that is difficult to fill, even when there are plenty of people around. Even those closest to a mother often fail to see the depth of what a single mother feels, because the world seems convinced that a mother’s love for her child is a sufficient source of strength, that nothing more is needed. Societal expectations of mothers to be impeccable guardians of the home only add to this isolation. A woman who raises a child alone can feel as if she lives under an invisible shade, where her needs recede into the background and emotional trappings become an everyday occurrence that no one talks about.

There is no room for weakness, for moments of breakdown – a single mother must be a pillar, a bedrock, constantly ready for action. But internally it’s a constant struggle – not just to get through the day, but to balance unconditional love for her child with the constant need to be seen, heard and understood. Sometimes the most painful thing is that in the chaos of everyday life there is no space to hear one’s own thoughts, to feel one’s own emotions. A mother, giving everything to her child, often forgets herself, and the world seems not to notice that although she is surrounded by her child‘s love, the loneliness she carries in her heart is as real and heavy as any daily duty.

And although loneliness in motherhood is full of love, it is a love that is born of sacrifices, of daily struggle, of quiet, inner struggle. Mothers who experience this condition often feel a deep longing for the support they lack. It’s a feeling that can accompany every moment, even the most beautiful ones, when the child is laughing, playing, growing up. Even then, a single mother can feel an emptiness and longing for someone to experience these moments with her. In a world full of demands and expectations, single motherhood remains a journey whose burden can be too great not to need support, yet is too often invisible to others.

How to deal with loneliness and lack of support?

Dealing with loneliness and lack of support in single motherhood is a huge challenge that requires a conscious approach to one’s own emotions and needs. Here are some key strategies that can help:

1. Establish a support network: Even if you lack a partner, it’s worth seeking support from family, friends or groups for single mothers. Connecting with others who are in a similar situation can bring a sense of understanding and community.
2. Finding time for yourself: Whenever possible, making sure you take a moment to rest and recuperate is key. Even a short amount of time spent on your own interests or relaxing can improve your mood and give you a boost of energy.
3. Getting specialized help: Psychotherapy or coaching can help you understand your emotions, work through your difficulties and learn to cope with loneliness. Sometimes it’s worth opening yourself up to professional help to better understand yourself.
4. Acceptance of the situation and one’s own emotions: Understanding that loneliness and difficult emotions are natural in this situation is an important step. Accepting these feelings can help you find inner balance and avoid excessive self-criticism.
5. Get involved in the local community: Participating in community events, volunteering or other activities can help you make new relationships and find people who can become supportive.
6. Use of technology: Today’s solutions, such as online support groups or apps that allow communication with other single parents, can provide emotional and practical support.

Remember that single motherhood does not mean that you have to do everything alone – support can be found in various forms, and taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Single motherhood in numbers

Single motherhood, though often hidden in the shadows of daily routines, is a significant and growing segment of Polish society. According to the 2021 National Census, one in five families in Poland is formed by a mother who is raising a child or children on her own. These shocking statistics shed light on the phenomenon of single parenthood, and the numbers speak for themselves.

There are currently 2.3 million single parents in Poland, of which as many as 2 million are single mothers. These figures illustrate not only the scale of the problem, but also its depth and social significance. Single mothers who carry the burden of raising children alone make up a huge portion of the population, which underscores how important it is to understand and support their daily struggles.

These statistics reflect not only individual stories, but also broader social and economic challenges. Single motherhood often comes with additional financial, emotional and social hardships. Although single mothers make an invaluable contribution to raising children and building society, their daily lives are often burdened with greater challenges than families with both parents.

Analyzing these numbers, we can see the urgency of the need for social and systemic support. Understanding the magnitude of the problem is the first step toward building public policies that are more responsive to the needs of single parents. Strengthening support programs, access to counseling, financial and social services are just some of the steps that can help improve the lives of single mothers and their children.

In the face of these facts, it is extremely important for society to recognize and appreciate the plight of single mothers. The exceptional strength, courage and determination needed to deal with daily challenges deserve recognition and support. It is worthwhile that these numbers are not just a statistic, but also an impetus for action to improve the living conditions of single parents and their children.