This viral TikTok captures what it’s like to parent through exhaustion and mental health struggles
If you’ve ever hit the point of sheer exhaustion, questioning how you’ll get through one more day of parenting, you’re far from alone. TikTok creator @ustheremingtons recently shared a raw, emotional video that has deeply resonated with moms everywhere. With over 3.4 million views (and counting), her candid glimpse into solo parenting two toddlers while grappling with postpartum mental health challenges, illness, and the unseen weight of motherhood is a starkly relatable portrait of the modern parenting experience.
And it’s the realness that gets you. It captures the teary moments, the overstimulation, and the unmet needs that many moms know all too well.
The invisible weight of motherhood
One of the video’s most profound themes is the idea of “parenting your wounded inner child.” It’s a reality many moms know all too well: how motherhood can surface unresolved trauma, pushing us to confront it while striving to be present for our children.
As the creator poignantly notes, it’s not just the act of parenting that feels hard—it’s navigating mental health challenges, overstimulation, and unmet personal needs in the process.
This raw admission strikes a chord because it names something so many mothers endure in silence but rarely voice out loud. It’s a powerful reminder of the unseen battles moms face every day and the strength it takes to keep going.
Related: Your motherhood journey might look different than what you expected—and that’s OK
Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re survival
One of the most striking moments in the video is when the creator firmly reminds her husband, “Your health is not my priority.” It’s an unfiltered truth that resonated deeply with moms in the comments, many of whom praised it as an act of self-preservation.
For moms navigating the overwhelming demands of parenting, especially during the postpartum period, setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Boundaries create the space needed to protect your mental health, prioritize your needs, and ultimately show up more fully for your family.
Here’s how to start setting boundaries that work:
Communicate clearly: Use direct, simple language like, “I need X to feel supported right now.”
Focus on what you can control: Your energy is limited—spend it on what truly matters.
See boundaries as relationship builders: Healthy boundaries reduce resentment, foster trust, and strengthen connections.
Setting boundaries takes practice, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to care for yourself and your loved ones.
Related: How setting boundaries helped me be a more present mom, colleague and boss
Finding light in the hardest seasons
Even on the hardest days, small moments of peace can remind us why we keep going. For this TikTok mom, it was a quiet walk with her kids, surrounded by ducks and the crisp fall air—a simple, grounding ritual that brought a glimmer of joy in the chaos.
These small, intentional moments can be a lifeline, helping us reconnect with ourselves and our children.
What can we take from this?
Create a ritual that brings you joy: Whether it’s a walk outside, listening to a favorite song, or just five minutes of stretching, small habits can help anchor you when life feels unsteady.
Embrace the duality of parenting: Parenthood is often equal parts exhausting and beautiful. It’s okay to hold space for both realities.
Even in the hardest seasons, these moments remind us that connection and joy can coexist with struggle.
Postpartum mental health: The unseen struggle
In her video, the creator sheds light on the mental health challenges that many moms silently endure—postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety (PPA), and even rage (PPR). These conditions are far more common than most realize, yet they often remain unspoken due to stigma, guilt, or the pressure to appear “okay.”
Signs to watch for:
Feeling disconnected from your baby or loved ones.
Persistent irritability, anger, or sudden rage.
Difficulty sleeping, even when you’re exhausted.
Overwhelming guilt, sadness, or hopelessness.
If any of these resonate, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and help is available. Therapy, support groups, and medication can be transformative and lifesaving. A good place to start is Postpartum Support International, which offers compassionate resources and connections for moms in need.
Seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an act of courage and self-care.
You’re not alone: Tools for overwhelmed moms
Parenting often comes with overstimulation and exhaustion—but there are practical ways to manage the chaos and reclaim moments of calm.
Here are some tools to help:
Regulation techniques: Try tapping (as the TikTok mom demonstrated), deep breathing, or grounding exercises to bring your nervous system back to center.
Create a sensory “off switch”: Noise-canceling headphones, dim lighting, or a designated quiet corner in your home can offer a much-needed reset.
Ask for help: Lean on your support system, whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member. Sharing the load isn’t a weakness—it’s essential.
When it feels impossible, remind yourself: You’re human. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough.
Strength in vulnerability
@ustheremingtons’ viral TikTok is more than just a glimpse into one mom’s life—it’s a lifeline for countless others. By sharing her raw, unfiltered struggle, she’s giving moms everywhere permission to feel deeply, to ask for help, and to keep moving forward.
Remember this: Parenting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up—even when it’s hard—and finding those tiny moments of joy amidst the chaos. You’re doing your best—and that’s more than enough.
If you or someone you know is navigating postpartum mental health challenges, help is available. Visit Postpartum Support International or call the PSI HelpLine at 1-800-944-4773 to connect with support and resources.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Sharing our stories and lifting each other up can be the difference between feeling isolated and feeling seen. You are not alone.
Sources:
Exploring reparenting as a method to heal emotional wounds and nurture your inner child. CPTSD Foundation. 2020. “Reparenting to Heal the Wounded Inner Child”.
Comprehensive resources and support for postpartum mental health. Postpartum Support International. 2024. “Postpartum Support International”.
