Motherhood is hard when you don’t feel supported by the people around you. I am lucky enough to have the support of my hubby who is equally committed to caring for our son KJ. Not to mention close friends and family members consistently showing how much they care for my entire household. 

Every day, mothers face the challenges of raising kids and managing their careers, and every day, we wonder why there’s so little support for how hard that can be.

It’s tough when you feel like you’re the only one dealing with a certain challenge. It can be overwhelming to think that you’re the only one who’s ever had to juggle your career with your kid’s needs or try to find time for yourself in between all of the other things you have to do. But here’s the thing: You are not alone.

The truth is that other women have dealt with this exact same thing before you did—and will after you leave it behind. The trick to making it through is knowing that you’re not alone and that there are other people who can relate to what you’re going through and help you deal with it.

New mothers spend a lot of time in their own heads. And that can be a scary place to be.

So here are 5 ways to make motherhood feel less isolating and overwhelming!

You probably hear this one all the time, but that doesn’t make it any less true: connecting with other mothers is such an important part of feeling like you’re not alone in this journey called motherhood. You can find meeting groups in your area, or message boards online—or hey, maybe even consider starting one yourself! The internet can be an amazing place for forming new relationships and getting the support you need. 

Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to be everything to everyone all the time—no one is asking that of you except yourself! Cut yourself some slack, take a load off, and let someone else pick up the slack for once!

Don’t be afraid to accept help from others—whether it’s your partner taking the kids so you can have some time to yourself or asking a friend to come over to keep an eye on the kids while you take a nap or get some work done (or both!).

Always, always remember that you are not the only mother in this world who has ever felt overwhelmed, confused, upset, or perplexed. Learning from others in the same boat as you can be very comforting and help put you at ease. 

Make a list of things that make you feel good, and keep that list nearby. This can be a physical list or an electronic one—whatever is most convenient for you in the moment. When you’re having a rough day, refer to the list and pick something that will lift your spirits (whether it’s calling a friend or listening to your favorite song).

Motherhood is a blast—until it’s overwhelming and you feel alone. We’ve all been there. While I can’t promise to take away every time you feel overwhelmed, I hope these tips help the next time you are feeling overwhelmed or isolated. You are not alone, and don’t you forget it!