Counseling for Anxiety

Do you often feel like you’re on edge, even in the midst of a routine day? Are your thoughts racing with worries about your baby, your health, or your future as a mother? Do you find it hard to relax, even when everything around you seems calm? If so, you may be experiencing anxiety.

Anxiety is a common struggle for many moms, especially during the perinatal and postpartum periods. Whether it’s related to infertility, pregnancy, birth, or life after delivery, anxiety can take on many forms and affect your ability to fully enjoy your experience as a mother. It’s important to know that you’re not alone in feeling this way, and that help is available.

Do You Relate to Any of These Feelings?

• Feeling constantly worried about your baby’s health and well-being, even when there’s no reason to be concerned
• Having trouble relaxing or finding peace, no matter how much you try
• Overthinking every decision, from feeding choices to parenting techniques
• Experiencing a racing heart or tight chest when you think about the future
• Struggling with negative thoughts or fears that “something bad” will happen to you or your baby
• Avoiding certain situations or places because they make you feel anxious or overwhelmed
• Feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities as a mom, unable to manage everything
• Finding it hard to focus on the present because your mind is consumed by what could go wrong

If any of these thoughts or feelings sound familiar, you may be dealing with anxiety. Anxiety can be particularly challenging during major life transitions, such as becoming a mom, and it’s important to address it head-on. You don’t have to face it alone.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes persistent, overwhelming, or disproportionate to the situation, it can begin to interfere with your day-to-day life. It’s more than just feeling nervous or worried; anxiety often involves physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, difficulty breathing, or muscle tension, which can make the experience even more distressing.

For many moms, anxiety can arise in different stages of motherhood:

• Infertility: The emotional toll of struggling to conceive can bring about anxiety, as worries about the future, the uncertainty of pregnancy, and fears of not being able to have children weigh heavily.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes, the pressure of preparing for a new baby, and fears about the health of the baby or your own well-being can cause anxiety to spike during pregnancy.
• Birth: The uncertainty and unpredictability of childbirth can lead to anticipatory anxiety about the birth process, and even fear or trauma related to an unexpected or difficult birth experience.
• Postpartum: After the baby arrives, postpartum anxiety can take hold as you face the pressures of new motherhood, the responsibility of caring for your baby, and concerns about your own mental and physical health.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can look different for everyone, but some common symptoms include:

• Excessive worry: Constantly thinking about what could go wrong, even when there’s no real reason to worry
• Physical tension: Tightness in your chest, muscle tension, headaches, or stomachaches
• Restlessness: Difficulty sitting still or feeling “on edge” all the time
• Difficulty concentrating: Having trouble focusing or feeling “foggy” because your mind is preoccupied with worry
• Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless, disturbed sleep
• Panic attacks: Sudden, overwhelming feelings of fear or terror, accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, dizziness, or shortness of breath

Anxiety can make you feel disconnected from your life as a mother, leaving you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward.

How Anxiety Impacts Moms

For many moms, anxiety affects more than just their mental health—it can interfere with their ability to care for themselves and their families. Anxiety can make it difficult to relax or enjoy time with your baby. It may prevent you from bonding with your child or fully engaging in the present moment.

Anxiety can also increase feelings of isolation, as many moms feel they have to "have it all together" or appear perfect on the outside. This can lead to suppressing feelings, avoiding help, or not sharing your struggles with others.

But anxiety doesn’t have to control your life.

How The Motherhood Wellness Clinic Can Help

At The Motherhood Wellness Clinic, we understand the unique challenges that anxiety brings to new mothers. Whether you're struggling with infertility-related anxiety, pregnancy worries, fears around childbirth, or postpartum anxiety, we’re here to help.

Our team of therapists is trained in trauma-informed care and specializes in helping mothers navigate their anxiety during all stages of motherhood. We provide a variety of therapeutic approaches to support you, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR therapy—both of which can help you address anxious thoughts and reclaim a sense of calm.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you’re struggling with anxiety, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to manage it alone. At The Motherhood Wellness Clinic, we’re here to support you through your journey of healing and self-care. Together, we can develop coping strategies and work through the underlying causes of your anxiety, helping you reclaim your sense of peace, confidence, and joy as a mother.

If you’re ready to begin your path toward healing, reach out to us today. We’re here to help you every step of the way.