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Nurturing Women's Well-being: Addressing Depleted Mother Syndrome

11/13/2023 | 4 min. read

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Working closely with women in my practice has been a privilege, unveiling shared experiences that foster camaraderie, compassion, and profound respect for the women I assist. If I were to distill the prevailing issue among my female clientele, it would be what Dr. Jan Hanson, Dr. Rick Hanson, and Dr. Ricki Pollycove coined as "Depleted Mother Syndrome" (DMS) in their book, Mother Nature.

Introducing Depleted Mother Syndrome (DMS)

Depleted Mother Syndrome isn't a newly discovered ailment, but rather a term to encapsulate the predictable way our bodies respond to excessive mental, emotional, and physical stress. For women in constant caregiving roles, overwhelmed by demands surpassing available resources, heightened emotional sensitivity becomes palpable. They experience profound exhaustion, both mentally and physically, which is evident in fatigue, mental fog, emotional volatility, and even depression or anxiety.

The syndrome is not rooted in genetics, but rather the biology of chronic stress. This excessive stress triggers a cascade of physical and emotional responses in the body. Understanding this biochemistry as a doctor was one thing, but personally experiencing it in my early 40s was another.

Symptoms of Depleted Mother Syndrome may include:

  • Fatigue: Women experiencing DMS often report feeling persistently tired, regardless of the amount of rest they get.
  • Mental Fog: Cognitive functions may become impaired, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making.
  • Emotional Lability: Heightened emotional sensitivity can lead to mood swings, irritability, and a reduced ability to handle stressors.
  • Depression/Anxiety: The chronic strain of DMS can contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety.
  • Insomnia: Sleep disturbances are common, making it challenging for women to get the restorative rest they need.

It's important to note that Depleted Mother Syndrome is not a new disease, but rather a recognized pattern of responses that emerge when individuals, in this case, women, are pushed beyond their mental, emotional, and physical limits.

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                                                            What is your dosha? Find out now by taking the dosha quiz

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The Ayurvedic Approach to Rejuvenation and Balance

Addressing DMS involves a multifaceted approach that aims to restore balance and well-being. The first step toward recovery starts with self-compassion. Regardless of age or hormonal levels, my initial advice remains constant: "You've done nothing wrong. The demands placed on women today, especially mothers, are beyond what anyone can fully handle. Release any guilt, regret, self-judgment, or self-blame you may harbor."

Resetting the Gut-Brain Connection

To guide women out of chronic depletion, restoring the gut-brain connection is pivotal. Even addressing hormonal imbalances is ineffective until both the gut and brain achieve greater equilibrium. While it's not an overnight transformation, I've identified essential steps that help shift my female patients out of overwhelm. Key herbs like triphala, ashwagandha, Brahmi, and shankhpushpi, along with Prime Tea, play a vital role in dousing the internal fire sparked by exhaustion.

Gradual Progress towards Renewed Vitality

With the crisis mode extinguished, the path to healthier habits begins. This includes a dosha-balancing diet, meditation, an "Absolute No" list, and delegating responsibilities. Gradually, the beauty of motherhood and womanhood resurfaces, ultimately benefiting their families.

Seeds of Wisdom

Ayurveda emphasizes the pivotal role of mothers in society, shaping the well-being of the entire nation. A flourishing society prioritizes the needs, health, and emotions of its mothers. Conversely, when women suffer, the entire nation feels the repercussions. Addressing Depleted Mother Syndrome isn't just a service to women, but a contribution to our collective future. The positive energy generated from this endeavor circles back to enrich my own health and happiness.

Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary

Meet Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary

Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary is an integrative neurologist, Ayurvedic practitioner, and author of The Prime and Sound Medicine. Her combined expertise in both modern neurology and the ancient science of health known as Ayurveda gives her a truly unique perspective that has helped thousands of people to feel better and achieve health goals they never thought possible.

More About Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary