Recognizing and Addressing Motherhood Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
Motherhood is often described as joyful, but for many moms it also comes with an baseline worry that never seems to turn off that some call motherhood anxiety.
I’m Kaitlyn Dove, a therapist in Oregon and founder of The Nurtured Theory. I specialize in helping millennial moms navigate anxiety, burnout, and the identity shifts that come with motherhood.
What are the signs and symptoms of motherhood anxiety?
Lying in bed, replaying every “what if” from the day instead of falling asleep
Imagining worst-case scenarios every time your child runs ahead at the park
A knot in your chest or stomach that shows up before you even know why
Snapping at your partner or kids because your body feels stuck on high alert
Trying to focus on work, but your brain keeps circling back to “Did I forget something? What if I miss something important?”
If these symptoms linger or interfere with your daily life, it’s a sign your body and mind need extra care.
How can therapy help with parenting anxiety?
Therapy offers more than just a listening ear. It gives you:
A safe space to name and untangle your worries
Tools to manage anxious thoughts so they don’t run the show
Individualized strategies for calming your body when it feels on high alert
A chance to reconnect with yourself & not just the “mom” role
Therapy helps shift you from feeling consumed by anxiety to feeling more steady, clear, and connected.
Learn More about Motherhood Therapy here
What is online therapy for moms?
For many moms, leaving the house for appointments isn’t realistic. Online therapy makes it possible to:
Meet from the comfort of where you are
Schedule sessions around naps, school pick-ups, or work breaks
Access specialized support, even if there’s no therapist nearby
Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person care, and often feels more accessible in the middle of busy motherhood.
Learn More About Online Therapy For Moms Here
Practical self-care for moms with anxiety
Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. What feels calming for one mom might feel draining for another. The most important thing is paying attention to what actually leaves you feeling more steady and not what social media says “should” work.
For some, self-care looks like journaling, stretching, or a hot shower after the kids are asleep. For others, it’s baking bread, going for a run, or sitting outside with coffee in the quiet of the morning. What matters isn’t the activity itself, but whether it helps your nervous system settle.
A couple of reflective questions to try:
When do I feel most like myself?
What small practice makes me feel joy, even just a little?
The answers can point you toward what self-care looks like for you. Over time, these small practices become powerful tools for managing motherhood anxiety in a way that actually fits your life.
Motherhood self care blog post
In Summary…
Motherhood anxiety is common and normal to feel, but it doesn’t have to define your days. With support, strategies, and compassionate guidance, you can feel calmer and more grounded in the middle of parenting’s inevitable ups and downs.
If you’re an Oregon mom looking for support, therapy through The Nurtured Theory can help you untangle the noise and reconnect with yourself.
With Love,
-Kaitlyn Dove
Learn more about motherhood anxiety at Postpartum Support International
Kaitlyn Dove, a therapist in Oregon and founder of The Nurtured Theory. Helping millennial moms move from burnout and self-doubt to clarity and confidence in motherhood. Learn more at www.thenurturedtheory.com.