Motherhood and loneliness FAQs

Is it normal to feel lonely as a mom?

Yes. The kind of loneliness that comes with motherhood isn’t just an “I wish I had more friends” feeling. It’s more like an “I’m surrounded by people all day, but no one sees me” kind of feeling. This can affect all moms, too. New moms, seasoned moms, stay-at-home moms, working moms, partnered moms, and especially single moms. 

Feeling this way doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re carrying more than any one person was ever meant to hold alone.

How can I find myself again after having kids? 

First, you’re still in there. Even if it feels like she’s buried under laundry piles, sleepless nights, and the mental load of a thousand invisible tasks, you haven’t disappeared. 

Start small. What did you love before motherhood that still feels like you? What makes you feel grounded, even if just for five minutes? Rebuilding your sense of self isn’t selfish — it’s essential. 

Reconnect with the parts of you that light up, and remember to meet yourself where you are in small, practical ways.

How can I feel less lonely as a single mom?

Start by acknowledging that what you’re doing is incredibly hard and that no one is meant to do it entirely alone. From there, look for low-lift ways to build connection. 

Join a Facebook group for moms or send that “Hey, want to hang out?” text to a new mom friend. You can even lean into local resources like community centers or school-based events where you might find like-minded parents. You don’t need a massive social circle… just one or two people who get it.

How can I make new friends as a mom?

When making new mom friends, you do have to put yourself out there a little, which can feel tricky when you’re sleep-deprived and overwhelmed. But small efforts add up. Try saying hi to that mom at the playground. Strike up a conversation at preschool pickup. Post in a local mom group that you’re looking to meet someone for coffee or stroller walks. 

Most moms are craving connection too, but someone has to go first — and that someone might be you. Start small, keep expectations low, and let the friendship unfold without pressure. Explore these eight mental health benefits of joining a mom group.

Are middle-aged moms more likely to feel lonely?

Middle-aged motherhood often comes with its own perfect storm of isolation. Your kids may be more independent, which should free you up. Instead, it can feel like your purpose is shifting (or disappearing), and no one’s talking about it. 

The millennial mom midlife crisis is real. If you think you fit the mold, explore these 10 ways to cope. 

Friendships may have drifted, romantic relationships may be strained or ended, and caretaking responsibilities (for kids, aging parents, or both) can pile up. This is a stage where a lot of moms are silently wondering, “Who am I now?” The answer isn’t always immediate, but naming the loneliness, seeking out new sources of connection, and giving yourself permission to change can be the start of something deeper, not the end of something lost.