Role Strain & The Superwoman Syndrome

Role strain is a result of someone trying to balance multiple roles that all seem to conflict and interfere with each other. For women, that seems to be an inevitable consequence of trying to raise a family, manage a career, and be a social queen, while striving to be the best in every role – the Superwoman Syndrome. We all have multiple roles to fulfill, it is when we push ourselves to the limit in all of those roles that we create role strain – which prohibits not only our ability to fulfill the responsibilities of each role, but also negatively impacts our health.

As women, we tend to judge ourselves harshly and believe that we must be perfect mothers, wives, employees, bosses, friends, daughters, sisters, etc. to live a happy, balanced life. However, this unrealistic outlook can leave us feeling stressed, anxious, fatigued, unhappy, and unfulfilled. It is important that women recognize this desire to be superwoman, and the symptoms caused by their role strain.

Superwoman Syndrome Symptoms

• Acne
• Allergies
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Hair Loss
• Hormone imbalances
• Hypertension
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Irritability
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Lack of Concentration
• Memory issues
• Migraines
• Muscle tension
• Muscle pain
• Weakened immune system
• Weight problems

If you are struggling with Superwoman Syndrome, and experiencing some of the above symptoms as a result of focusing on perfection in all of your roles, then it is time to take off your superwoman cape and find a sidekick to help you find balance, like the counselors at Aspire Counseling Services. By working together with your Aspire counselor, you can learn how to make a plan and prioritize yourself which will help you find the balance and fulfillment you are seeking.

Remember, Batman had Robin, Captain America had the Falcon, and Wonder Woman had Wonder Girl. No one can do everything on their own, and you shouldn’t even try!  Attempting to live your life like a fictional superhero is unrealistic and no one is perfect and able to do everything on their own. Ask for help and see what happens, your friends and family will probably be relieved and eager to help if you will just give them the opportunity. The more you open up and let others in to help you balance your life, the more fulfilling you will find your relationships and life.

You must also take time out to put yourself first. Find activities that you enjoy that help you to relieve stress, from yoga and meditation to mindfulness and long walks. Relax, slow down, and put yourself first and you will discover that it becomes easier to fulfill your roles and responsibilities, and let go of those things that don’t matter.

Aspire Counseling Services offers a multitude of services that can be helpful to someone struggling with Superwoman Syndrome. One of the unique aspects of Aspire Counseling Services is their integration of mindfulness-type programs in all their services. In addition to individual and group counseling, Aspire offers yoga, art therapy, pet therapy, group therapy, drumming circle, and numerous other techniques, that have proven successful for their clients and staff. So, take off your cape and give Aspire a call!