Navigating Depression and Anxiety Attacks as a Mom
As a mother, I’ve faced countless challenges throughout my journey of raising a family. While the joys of motherhood have been immeasurable, there have been moments when overwhelming feelings and attacks crept into my life, casting shadows over what should have been the happiest moments. I want to share my personal experience, thoughts, and coping strategies in the hope that they might resonate with fellow moms who have faced or are currently dealing with these complex struggles.
Understanding Depression and Anxiety Attacks
Before sharing my story, it’s worth noting how overwhelming emotions can creep up on anyone, even those who seem to have it all together.
The weight of everything—responsibilities, expectations, the constant push and pull of daily life—can sometimes feel like too much. There are moments when the mind races, when the chest tightens, when just getting through the day feels like an impossible task.
It’s not always something you see coming. One day, you’re moving through routines, handling what needs to be done. The next, you’re struggling to shake off a heaviness that won’t lift.
But here’s the thing: you’re not alone in feeling this way. And sometimes, just recognizing that makes a difference.
Depression:
A low mood isn’t just a passing slump—it can feel like carrying a heavy load that refuses to be set down. It lingers, creeping into ordinary routines and making what used to be simple chores seem almost impossible. Getting out of bed in the morning can take twice the effort, and preparing meals, tidying up, or managing household tasks starts to feel like climbing a steep hill with no rest in sight. Conversations grow harder, energy drains quickly, and the motivation to stay engaged fades little by little. What was once automatic—taking care of responsibilities, keeping things in order—suddenly demands a strength that feels out of reach, leaving you weighed down by exhaustion and discouragement.
| Category | Depression |
| Prevalence in US adults (%) | 8.10% |
| Common Symptoms | Low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, changes in sleep/ appetite, feelings of worthlessness/ helplessness, suicidal thoughts |
| Risk Factors | Family history, chronic health conditions, stressful life events, substance abuse |
| Treatment Options | Psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes (exercise, healthy diet, sleep hygiene) |
Anxiety Episodes:
Episodes of overwhelming anxiety, often called panic episodes, can come on suddenly and with great intensity. During these moments, the body may react in powerful ways—such as a racing heartbeat, difficulty catching your breath, dizziness, or even the sensation that something terrible is about to happen. What makes them especially difficult is their unpredictability. For many mothers, these sudden episodes can interfere with daily responsibilities, making it harder to stay present for their children while also managing their own emotional well-being.
| Category | Anxiety Attacks |
| Prevalence in US adults (%) | 19.10% |
| Common Symptoms | Excessive worry, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, muscle tension, panic attacks |
| Risk Factors | Family history, stressful life events, medical conditions, personality traits |
| Treatment Options | Psychotherapy, medication, relaxation techniques, exposure therapy |
My Personal Journey with Struggles and Sudden Overwhelming Episodes
For the longest time, I figured none of that emotional heaviness would ever touch me. I mean, I had a full plate and kept things moving, like I was built to handle it all without flinching. That’s what I believed—or maybe that’s what I needed to believe. But eventually, it crept in slowly, almost silently, until one day, I couldn’t ignore it anymore. The weight got heavier, the joy felt dimmer, and even the smallest tasks started to feel like mountains. That’s when I had to admit it—I wasn’t untouchable. Whatever this invisible force was, it had pulled up a seat in my life, and I could no longer pretend it wasn’t there.
In this chapter, I’ll share my personal experience, the signs that made me realize I needed help, and the challenges I faced as a mother.
Seeking Help and Acceptance
Acknowledging that I needed help was the first step toward recovery. In this chapter, I’ll discuss the importance of seeking professional assistance, the different treatment options available, and how acceptance played a crucial role in my journey toward healing.
Coping Mechanisms
As a mother, I knew I couldn’t allow these challenges to completely overwhelm me. My children depended on me not just for the basics, but also for stability, warmth, and guidance. That meant I had to find practical ways to manage the weight I was carrying so it wouldn’t spill over into their world. I began focusing on small but consistent strategies—things like setting aside quiet moments for myself, leaning on supportive people I trusted, and learning methods to calm my mind during the most difficult times. These steps helped me stay steady enough to continue giving my kids the attention, affection, and reassurance they deserved every single day.
In this chapter, I’ll share various coping methods, including mindfulness exercises, self-care routines, and the significance of a strong support system.
Balancing Motherhood and Self-Care
Balancing the demands of raising children while also looking after oneself isn’t easy. I often found myself stretched thin, trying to meet everyone’s needs without neglecting my own. Over time, I discovered the importance of carving out moments just for me—whether it was a few minutes to breathe deeply, enjoy a quiet cup of tea, or simply step outside for fresh air. These small acts helped me recharge and stay present for my family. Learning to prioritize my own emotional and physical wellness alongside my children’s needs made all the difference in keeping our household grounded and joyful.
Communicating with Your Children
Kids have this amazing way of picking up on things, even when you try to hide it. They just know when something isn’t quite right. I want to share how I approached those tough talks with my little ones about what I was going through. Being open with them wasn’t easy, but it ended up strengthening our bond and bringing us closer together in ways I never expected.
Breaking the Stigma
One of the toughest obstacles I faced when reaching out for support was the negative judgment and misunderstanding people often have about emotional struggles. I want to share how I worked to overcome that judgment and how it shifted the way my family views these challenges. Opening up created a new sense of understanding and compassion in our home, making it easier for all of us to talk honestly and support one another through difficult times.
The Journey to Recovery
Finding peace when life feels heavy isn’t a straight road. It twists, turns, and throws you off balance just when you think you’ve found your footing. Some days feel like progress, others feel like square one. But even in those tougher moments, there’s movement—small wins, new realizations, deeper strength.
I’ve walked through plenty of these uncertain seasons. Looking back, I can see certain moments that stood out—like finally opening up to someone close, or simply getting out of bed on a day when everything inside said “don’t.”
Those steps, no matter how small, started to build something stronger in me. It wasn’t quick. And it definitely wasn’t easy. But little by little, those scattered pieces started to fit together. Over time, I began showing up differently for those who count on me—more grounded, more present, more real.
If you’re in the thick of it, just know this: it doesn’t have to look perfect to be progress. You’re allowed to move slow. You’re allowed to pause. What matters is that you keep showing up, even if it’s just for yourself.
Supporting Other Moms
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been the opportunity to support other moms who may be facing similar challenges. This chapter focuses on how we can help and uplift one another in our collective struggle with mental health.
Conclusion
Looking back, moving through those heavy and overwhelming seasons wasn’t easy, but they shaped who I am today in powerful ways. The weight I carried—internally and behind closed doors—pushed me to dig deeper, re-examine how I was moving through each day, and finally speak up instead of trying to push forward in silence. Placing my own well-being first seemed unfamiliar at the beginning, yet over time it became a steady anchor—not just for me, but also for the people who rely on me most.
By opening up and sharing this chapter of my journey, I want to reach out to anyone who has ever sat in that same quiet storm. If you’ve ever been buried beneath emotions that seemed impossible to name, you’re not alone. Change is possible. There is always room for brighter days, even after the darkest chapters.
Author Bio:
Pamela Harris is a devoted parent and a strong advocate for emotional strength. Through years of navigating difficult seasons while raising her family, she discovered a resilience she didn’t know was within her. Those challenges left a lasting impact and eventually inspired her to share what she had learned—so others wouldn’t have to walk through tough times on their own.
Through writing, she opens up about everyday struggles that many quietly endure, aiming to replace silence with genuine connection. Her goal is to offer honest, uplifting stories that remind others it’s okay to experience overwhelm—and that brighter days can still come. Based in the United States, Pamela continues to speak out and stand beside those carrying emotional weight, using her words to create a sense of support, trust, and hope.