Seasonal depression, is that you creeping in? Because, fair warning, this week’s confessions are heavy. Sure, we usually have some tough stuff sandwiched between crushes and spicy feelings and your garden-variety mother-in-law woes. But something is shifting, and it seems as though maybe it’s shifting right as our clocks are shifting, too.
And maybe there is something to that. After all, women experience seasonal affective disorder—a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern—at roughly four times the rate men do. Cool, cool, cool… another thing to add to the list. Oh, and need we mention that Mercury is also currently in retrograde?
Then again, moms are feelers. It’s in our nature. And maybe we’re just feeling the weight of the world on our shoulders even more lately since, well, it’s extra weighty right now. So it’s no surprise that a lot of what moms had to say this week had to do with being at max capacity. Some moms want to rewind to their carefree pre-kid years. Lots are considering leaving their partners. Many just want one day where nobody needs anything from them.
Don’t worry; it’s not all worry and dread. One mom is having the best sex of her life in her 50s (get it, sis). A few are celebrating major milestones.
But whatever’s weighing on you at the moment, just know that somebody in this list has confessed some version of it. Here are this week’s confessions, shared anonymously by moms who clearly needed to lighten their load.
Scary Mommy Confessions are a tried-and-true part of what makes our site so fun. If you want to anonymously confess, look for our weekly callouts on Instagram. And to browse past Confessions, take a look at the Scary Mommy lifestyle archives.
The broad spectrum of anonymous entries submitted this week paints a vivid picture of modern motherhood under pressure. For instance, romantic and marital disillusionment emerged as a prominent theme. One anonymous mother shared, "My husband is having the best sex of his life with me. I, on the other hand, am not," highlighting the often unequal emotional and physical experiences within long-term marriages. Another candidly admitted, "I’ve gone from Needoh hunting to estrogen patch hunting," capturing the humorous yet exhausting transition into midlife realities and hormonal shifts.
The longing for a different life path or a reset button also surfaced frequently among the submissions. "I wish I could start my life over and make different choices," one mother confessed, while another admitted, "I want to run away from my whole life and be a teenager again." For many, the weight of adult responsibilities, financial strain, and parenting duties has reached a tipping point. One contributor wrote, "If I could go back to my younger self, I’d tell her not to get married. I’m so over parenting a grown man," echoing a sentiment shared by several others who feel they are carrying the entire domestic load alone.
Grief and loss also cast a long shadow over this week’s reflections. A mother wrestling with the anniversary of a parent’s death noted, "My mom died two years ago this week, and I can’t handle this time of year still so I drink wine," while another simply stated, "I miss my dad." The profound grief of losing a pet was equally present, with one participant writing, "Our dog passed away and it hurts worse than losing prior family members."
The daily grind of parenting—particularly for single mothers, default parents, and those raising neurodivergent children—proved to be an overwhelming burden for many. "I never get a break as a single mom and I’m so tired," one confession read. Another mother expressed a universal yearning for solitude: "I want 24 hours of not being a mom." The mental load of managing a household without adequate partnership or support systems left others questioning their futures. "Life would be easier if I could divorce my husband. I do everything on my own anyway," one mom wrote, while another noted the financial trap of a separation: "Still living with my ex and it’s starting to feel weird. I want to leave, but I can’t afford it."
Family dynamics extended beyond the nuclear household, touching on complex relationships with in-laws, aging parents, and growing children. Complaints about narcissistic or toxic behavior from extended family members regularly surfaced. "My MIL made my child’s baptism all about her. She’s a raging, childish narcissist," one contributor shared. Another expressed deep frustration over political and social divides within their own family: "I fear my mom is racist as heck and I am embarrassed."
Despite the heavy atmosphere, moments of triumph, resilience, and personal growth managed to break through the gloom. One mother celebrated a major relationship milestone, writing, "The long drought is over! 2yrs, 11mos, 2wks & 3 days. Been with my partner 17 years." Another found empowerment in midlife sexuality, stating, "I’m in my late 50s and having the best sex of my life!" Others focused on personal health and mental well-being, noting achievements such as cutting back on alcohol, navigating intensive outpatient programs for mental health recoveries, and finding relief in friend breakups that no longer served them.
As these anonymous reflections demonstrate, the intersection of seasonal shifts, societal pressures, and the relentless demands of family life can make any week feel like an uphill battle. Yet, through the act of sharing these burdens anonymously, mothers continue to find solidarity, validation, and the reassurance that they are never truly alone in their struggles.