What Is “Mom Anxiety”? Understanding, Recognizing, and Getting Support
Takeaway: Mom anxiety is a common but often silent experience that can affect everything from sleep to self-worth. This blog explores how anxiety shows up in motherhood, why it often goes unspoken, and what supportive steps you can take—whether that’s therapy, community, or grounding tools like the Mom Anxiety Coping Cards. If you're a mom in Seattle, Bellevue, Bainbridge Island, Kitsap County, or across Washington, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
What Is Mom Anxiety and Why It Happens
Anxiety has a way of showing up uninvited, but when you become a mother, it can feel like it takes over the entire room. The racing thoughts. The "what ifs." The overwhelming sense that something could go wrong at any moment. For many moms, this isn’t just worry—it’s anxiety, amplified by the deep love and responsibility we carry.
Defining Mom Anxiety: Postpartum and Perinatal Symptoms
Mom anxiety, sometimes called postpartum anxiety (PPA) or perinatal anxiety, describes the intense and persistent worry that can follow you into motherhood. It's not a flaw in your character or a sign you're doing anything wrong. It's a common experience rooted in the massive identity shifts, hormonal changes, sleep disruption, and social pressures that come with this season of life.
Unlike postpartum depression, which gets more attention, postpartum anxiety can be quieter but just as disruptive. It might show up as:
Racing thoughts that won’t quiet down
Trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps
Constant scanning for danger or potential problems
Tightness in the chest, restlessness, or irritability
An unrelenting pressure to "do it all right"
According to a What to Expect survey, more than 68% of moms report experiencing anxiety, with 35% describing it as moderate to severe. Clinical research suggests that about 10% of moms are diagnosed with postpartum anxiety—but professionals agree the true number is likely much higher, especially considering stigma and underreporting.
Wondering how to tell the difference between new mom worry and something deeper? I share a breakdown (plus my personal experience) in this blog post.
Mom Anxiety Doesn’t Mean You’re a Bad Mom
One of the most heartbreaking effects of mom anxiety is how quickly it turns inward. You might hear yourself thinking:"Why can’t I handle this?" "I should be fine." "I’m not cut out for this." "My anxiety is making me a bad mom."
If those thoughts feel familiar, please know: anxiety lies. It tells you you're failing when you're already giving so much. It tells you you're alone, even though so many other mothers are walking this road right beside you.
Why Moms Don’t Talk About Postpartum Anxiety
There are many reasons moms don’t speak up about anxiety:
It feels like we "should" be grateful.
We don’t want to seem weak or needy.
We're afraid of being judged or misunderstood.
We don't have the words for what we're feeling.
But silence only feeds the shame. And the truth is, you deserve care too.
Signs of Anxiety in Motherhood: What It Can Look Like
Mom anxiety doesn’t always look like panic attacks or crying spells. Often, it hides in plain sight:
Perfectionism — Feeling like everything must be done "just right"
Overanalyzing — Replaying conversations or decisions endlessly
Avoidance — Putting things off because they feel too overwhelming
Negative Self-Talk — Harsh inner dialogue that keeps you stuck
Catastrophizing — Jumping to worst-case scenarios
Burnout — Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion from carrying too much for too long
These emotions are often invisible - and signs that you need more support.
You’re Not Alone in Mom Anxiety
More than two-thirds of moms report experiencing anxiety symptoms, and yet less than 15% receive support. Not because they don’t want help—but because stigma, lack of time, and unclear paths to care get in the way.
That’s why I created Nurturing the Sisterhood—to offer compassionate, judgment-free support for moms navigating real-life anxiety, identity shifts, and emotional overload. It’s the kind of care I needed during my own postpartum anxiety but struggled to find. You can read more about my PPA story here.
Helpful Strategies to Cope with Mom Anxiety
There’s no single solution, but small, sustainable steps can make a difference:
Therapy with a provider who understands perinatal mental health
Community that doesn’t just say "same here" but walks with you
Nervous system support through breathwork, rest, and movement
Reducing the mental load by letting go of the myth of "doing it all"
Self-compassion practices that treat you like someone worth caring for (because you are)
Therapy for Mom Anxiety in Seattle and Washington State
If you're feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or just plain tired, you don't have to figure it out alone.
Nurturing the Sisterhood is my virtual therapy practice supporting women across Washington. We work exclusively with those in the messy middle of trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood. Learn more about our practice here.
✨ Schedule your free intro call if you're a mom in Seattle, Bellevue, Bainbridge Island, Kitsap County, or anywhere across Washington State. No pressure, just a place connect and ask questions.
Not ready to start therapy yet? The Mom Anxiety Coping Cards offer nervous system regulation and grounding tools based on what I share with clients in session.
You deserve support from a therapist who truly gets where you are. I'm here for you when you're ready.
