The Causes and Symptoms of Mom Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response to environmental stress. Some amounts of anxiety are normal and can actually be helpful in certain situations. As moms, we all worry and get anxious about anything related to our kids, but sometimes this worry or anxiety gets to be too much. We might start to experience other symptoms that can be harmful not only to yourself, but also to your little ones. If you’re thinking about the anxiety you experience and think it might be more than most moms deal with on a regular basis, it might be time to consider making changes to help cope with your anxious feelings. Let’s start by understanding some common causes of anxiety in moms:
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy and childbirth bring significant hormonal fluctuations. These hormonal changes can affect mood and anxiety levels, making some women more susceptible to anxiety disorders during and after pregnancy.
Sleep Deprivation: Some kids are born as great sleepers and others are not. Moms can experience a lot of sleep deprivation because of their babies and kids. But it’s also common for moms who are experiencing constant stress and anxiety to have difficulty sleeping through the night. The chronic sleep deprivation that many mothers experience can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
Perfectionism: Society often sets unrealistic standards for mothers, expecting them to excel in all areas of life. Social media and other outside factors have moms feeling like they have to live up to every expectation or they are failing. The pressure to be a perfect mom can contribute to anxiety, as mothers may fear they are falling short of these unattainable expectations.
Relationship Changes: Having kids can cause strains on the relationships a mom has with people she is close to. Moms might find that their relationship with their partner or spouse is strained due to lack of outside support, financial stresses, or just the overwhelm of being a parent. Moms might also see a shift in their friendships which can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Previous Mental Health Issues: Women with a history of anxiety or depression are at a higher risk of experiencing mom anxiety. Hormonal changes and the added stress of motherhood can trigger or exacerbate these conditions.
While some of these things are manageable on your own, many of them combined together can cause larger problems and multiply the level of anxiety moms feel on a regular basis. If you’re wondering whether or not you have mom anxiety, look at these common symptoms and think about if you are experiencing any of these on a regular basis:
Excessive Worry: Mothers with anxiety often find themselves worrying excessively about their child's safety, health, and well-being. These worries can be all-consuming and may include irrational fears.
Restlessness: Anxiety can manifest as physical restlessness, making it difficult for mothers to relax or sit still. They may feel constantly on edge and like they are unable to unwind.
Irritability: Anxiety can lead to increased irritability and impatience. Mothers may find themselves snapping at their little ones or feeling overwhelmed by minor inconveniences.
Sleep Problems: Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep independent of outside factors like babies or kids, are common symptoms of mom anxiety. Racing thoughts about to do lists, worrying about your kids, or other consuming thoughts can interfere with restful sleep.
Physical Symptoms: Anxiety often presents with physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, and stomachaches. Some mothers may also experience panic attacks, characterized by a racing heart and shortness of breath.
Avoidance: Avoiding social situations or activities they once enjoyed is another sign of mom anxiety. The fear of judgment or being unable to cope with parenting responsibilities may cause mothers to withdraw from their support systems.
Guilt and Self-Doubt: Many mothers with anxiety struggle with feelings of guilt and self-doubt. They may constantly question their abilities as mothers and feel guilty for not meeting their own or societal expectations.
While these symptoms are undoubtedly uncomfortable, the good news is they are manageable and can be helped with various coping strategies or seeking out professional help. In our next blog post, we will be covering tips for managing mom anxiety so you can feel your best!
