Therapy for Moms: Navigating the Anxiety of Transitions
Motherhood is a whirlwind. One moment, you’re rocking your baby to sleep, feeling secure. The next? They’re off to kindergarten, a whole new world away. Change is a constant, they say. But what’s often overlooked is how heavy these changes are on you as a mom. Every transition can bring a wave of anxiety. Let’s talk about the anxieties that moms face in seasons of change–the why, the what, and how to manage them. Then, we’ll explore what triggers worries and what might make you more likely to experience them. Most importantly, we’ll dive into ways to navigate these tricky waters. The good news? Therapy for Moms in Evanston, IL can be your life raft, helping you weather the storms of all those life changes, big and small, for you and your kids.
The What – The “What’s Next?” Anxiety Moms Face
One vital question that gives birth to worry is: “What’s next?” This time of year, in particular, you might have growing mom anxiety around what is next. Which activities will your children do over the summer? Do you need to change schools next year? Graduations and the end of the school year represent increasing independence for your kids and many unknowns. Is my child ready for the freedom she’ll find in college? For your graduating kindergartener, will the expectations of first grade be too much to handle?
Let’s face it. We worry about our kids no matter their age. It goes without saying that you ponder your child’s next steps. Yet, your focus is also on what their life changes mean for you! Of course, you’re proud as they cross the stage wearing their cap and gown. However, with each milestone, the “what’s next anxiety” could be brewing, too.
The Why – Where does the worry come from?
Just when you thought you had a rhythm…. A transition throws a roadblock into your curated routine. With the rhythm interrupted, you may feel destabilized. Life reminds you, yet again, that control is only an illusion. If you need to be sure that every Wednesday at 4:00 pm is karate lessons, a schedule disruption brought on by a transition may produce anxiety.
“What If…..” Unknowns can plague you in a season of change. Pesky unknowns and fear of the future abound. You want to believe everything will go well, but think, what if it doesn’t? A hailstorm of “what-ifs” can pelt away at your confidence, leaving it dented and battered. Worries and stress will rise.
Overwhelm and Identity Change…
And one more thing. In seasonal life changes, you may have to rally all of your resources: mental, physical, and emotional. Transitions tap and can sap even your energy reserves. Life changes require a much greater level of energy than you exert normally. You dig deep to establish new routines, and you navigate around new responsibilities. Yet, waves of overwhelm and exhaustion threaten to pull you under. Unfortunately, the circumstances in this situation are perfect for creating an anxiety storm.
Who am I now? A transition may require you to become a different person. Whenever a life change happens, you may feel your identity shift. For example, when you return to work after a season of being a SAHM, you’ll probably need to reshape your identity as a professional and as a mom. As your children get older and desire your presence (and your voice) less in their lives, you may reorganize your role.
The impact of the loss of control, fear of the unknown, increased demands, and a changing identity are the building blocks of the transition mountain you must climb. But, despite the challenges, are you at a serious risk of developing anxiety?
Who is at Greatest Risk?
As we’ve said already, stress is a traveling partner in a life transition. Also, you’ll want to remember that anxiety is a normal response to stress. So, experiencing anxiety as you drop off your child at her dorm room in August, is an appropriate response.
However, how do you know when your stress levels have reached beyond a safe threshold? The Office on Women’s Health describes debilitating anxiety like this:
But anxiety can be disabling if it interferes with daily life, such as making you dread nonthreatening day-to-day activities like riding the bus or talking to a coworker. Anxiety can also be a sudden attack of terror when there is no threat.
The Mayo Clinic outlines the following as risk factors for developing an anxiety disorder:
- Trauma
- Stress due to an illness
- Stress buildup
- Personality
- Other mental health disorders
- Having blood relatives with an anxiety disorder
- Drugs or alcohol
The Growing Trend of Therapy for Moms
Are you the only mom feeling pushed to the edge with overwhelm during this season of change and needing help?
Absolutely not.
In a recent article, mother.ly cited that there is “an increase in the percentage of moms who have sought mental health therapy in the past year—to 46% from 43% in 2022.” Also, “more mothers are utilizing more therapy sessions than ever before, with 18% saying they have attended 11 or more therapy sessions this past year compared to 15% who reported 11 or more in 2022.”
Mother.ly found in their “2023 State of Motherhood Survey,” that women most often seek therapy for anxiety (32%) over depression (12%), relationship issues (16%), and postpartum challenges (15%). You are in good company.
Multiplying the Benefits of Therapy for Moms!
Research done at the University of Rochester Mt. Hope Family Center and the University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development discovered that mothers are not the only ones who benefit when they engage in therapy. Women who participate in Therapy for Moms felt more confident in their parenting and their “kids’ developmental measures also dramatically improved.”
The study saw that helping the women to reframe how they saw their children, helped them to parent from a more loving space. In turn, the children began responding more positively to their mothers.
Therapy for Moms, Evanston Counseling, and You
At Evanston Counseling, our compassionate therapists are available to ride the waves of the transition period with you. We understand that you constantly reevaluate the varied roles you take on: partner, friend, sister, and daughter.
Working together with you, we are here to support you through the many seasons of a mom’s life:
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Coping with an active toddler and family
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Facing the unique challenges of parenting a teenager
Start Therapy for Moms in Evanston, IL today to Move Past Your Mom Anxiety!
We specialize in Therapy for Moms in Evanston, IL because we understand that motherhood is not just one of life’s greatest challenges, but also one of its most beautiful rewards. Our goal is to support you in navigating this journey, helping you define what motherhood looks like for you. Whether you’re struggling with overwhelming feelings, seeking balance, or simply need a space to explore your thoughts and emotions, we’re here to provide compassionate and understanding support tailored to your unique needs. You don’t have to navigate motherhood alone; let us walk this path with you. Follow the steps below to get started with Evanston Counseling:
- Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
- Speak with an understanding therapist for moms.
- Learn how to live a happier life through the transitions of motherhood!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Evanston Counseling in Evanston, Chicago, and throughout Illinois
At Evanston Counseling, our commitment extends beyond offering Therapy for Moms in Evanston, IL. We provide a comprehensive range of specialized care to address various mental health concerns. Our therapy services include Therapy for Young Adults, Therapy for College Students, and Therapy for Teenagers, catering to individuals facing challenges like Anxiety, Depression, and Chronic Pain. We embrace diverse therapeutic modalities, including Hypnotherapy, Pet Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ensuring a personalized approach that meets the unique needs of those seeking support. Reach out to us today to discover how our experienced team can equip you with valuable tools and strategies for emotional well-being, fostering a balanced and happier life.
