Motherhood and Anxiety: Why You’re Not Alone in Feeling Overwhelmed
Motherhood is often described as beautiful, fulfilling, and full of love — and while all that can be true, so can the anxiety that quietly comes with it. Between juggling schedules, sleepless nights, career demands, and the constant mental load of making sure everyone’s okay, it’s no surprise that so many mothers experience anxiety at some point in their journey.
If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake wondering whether you’re doing enough, or feeling a pit in your stomach every time your child gets sick, you’re not “too sensitive.” You’re human.
Understanding Motherhood Anxiety
Motherhood anxiety isn’t just “worrying a lot.” It’s a persistent, often exhausting state of hypervigilance — where your mind doesn’t know how to turn off. You may find yourself thinking:
“Am I a good enough mom?”
“What if something happens when I’m not there?”
“Why do I feel so on edge when I should feel grateful?”
This type of anxiety can show up in many ways — irritability, difficulty sleeping, racing thoughts, even physical symptoms like tension headaches or a racing heart.
Sometimes, it’s triggered by big changes (birth, separation, divorce, returning to work). Other times, it slowly builds as you carry more than your mind or body can handle.
Why So Many Moms Struggle in Silence
Many mothers feel pressure to appear “together” — calm, patient, grateful — even when inside, they’re running on empty. The fear of being judged or labeled “anxious” or “overreacting” keeps a lot of women from speaking up.
But anxiety doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means your nervous system is doing its job — trying to protect you and your child. It’s just working overtime.
When we begin to understand anxiety as a signal, not a flaw, we can start to care for ourselves with the same compassion we give everyone else.
How to Cope with Motherhood Anxiety
If this feels familiar, here are a few gentle ways to start easing the weight:
Name It Without Shame
The moment you say “this is anxiety,” you take away its power to define you. Awareness is the first step to healing.Breathe, Then Ground
Try a simple grounding exercise — feel your feet on the floor, take three deep breaths, and name something you can see, hear, and touch. This helps your mind return to the present moment.Ask for Help Early, Not After You Break
Whether it’s therapy, medication, or simply asking a friend to help with the kids — support isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.Redefine “Good Mom”
A good mom isn’t one who never struggles. It’s one who shows up, even when it’s hard — who asks for help, models vulnerability, and chooses healing over perfection.
A Note from Our Practice
At Chicago Anxiety Counseling & Supervision, we see you — the mothers trying to hold it all together while feeling like they’re falling apart inside.
Our team specializes in supporting women through postpartum transitions, parenting stress, and anxiety that shows up in daily life.
You don’t have to navigate it alone. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is say, “I need support.”
If you’re ready to take the first step toward calm and clarity, reach out today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our therapy services for moms.
