How Motherhood in 2025 Pushed Me to Conquer Anxiety: A Journey of Courage and Healing

Health and wellness impact each individual uniquely. This is one mother’s transformative story.

Kim Walters*, a devoted mother, endured a persistent earache while managing two toddlers and the demands of remote part-time work. Despite her daily juggling act, that day brought overwhelming anxiety symptoms she had hidden for decades.

"My heart raced, breathing was difficult, and my mouth felt dry. Though familiar with these anxiety signs, I feared being exposed when the doctor took my vitals," Kim recalls.

With a family trip to California looming, her worries intensified. "Anxiety feeds on fear of anxiety itself. I experienced my first panic attack in that doctor's office in October 2011—vision blurred, blood pressure soaring," she shares.

The Napa Valley trip marked a pivotal moment. Returning home, Kim recognized her anxiety had peaked—loss of appetite, sleepless nights, and paralyzing fear even during cherished moments like reading to her children.

Her anxiety infiltrated everyday places—the store, library, museum, park—but she refused to retreat indoors. "Despite exhaustion and fear, I kept going every day," she says.

Seeking Professional Support

Determined to understand her anxiety’s roots, Kim consulted multiple healthcare providers. A thyroid condition was identified and treated, and dietary factors explored, but relief remained elusive.

Prescribed Xanax for panic episodes, she rejected reliance on medication, seeking sustainable healing instead.

Therapy became her breakthrough. After trying several therapists, Kim found one who diagnosed generalized anxiety and employed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reframe negative thoughts.

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy was particularly transformative, gradually desensitizing her to anxiety triggers like blood pressure checks and doctor visits.

"Repeatedly facing fears diminished their hold. Tasks once terrifying, like taking my kids to the library, became manageable," Kim explains.

Over three years, regular therapy sessions helped Kim regain control and inspired her to support others facing similar struggles.

Turning Experience into Empowerment

In 2016, Kim pursued a master's in social work, balancing studies with motherhood. "Fear was real, but I learned to face it head-on," she says.

Graduating in 2018, she now serves as a therapist in Illinois, specializing in exposure therapy for adults with anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.

"Anxiety still visits, but I live alongside it, empowered by my journey and inspired by those I help," she reflects.

Expert Advice for Mothers Battling Anxiety

Dr. Patricia Thornton, PhD, a licensed psychologist in NYC, explains anxiety and OCD often emerge in childhood or young adulthood and can resurface during life changes like motherhood.

She offers practical strategies for managing anxiety during this challenging time:

Separate Your Anxiety from Your Child’s Experience

"Anxiety can be contagious emotionally. Recognize your anxiety is yours to manage to foster resilience in your child," says Dr. Thornton.

Avoid Enabling Avoidance

While it's tempting to ask loved ones to handle anxiety-provoking tasks, this can reinforce avoidance behaviors. Facing fears gradually with support is key.

Accept Anxiety as Part of the Process

Understanding anxiety is a natural response helps in confronting it. "Expect to feel anxious in triggering situations and remind yourself it’s not dangerous," advises Dr. Thornton.

Seek Professional Help

Research supports CBT and ERP as effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Finding a therapist skilled in these methods is essential.

Prioritize Self-Care

Regular exercise, especially cardio, can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve mood by retraining the brain's response to physical sensations.

Finding Support

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America offers resources to locate qualified therapists.

*Name changed to protect privacy.

Cathy Cassata is a freelance writer specializing in health, mental wellness, and human behavior, known for her empathetic and engaging storytelling. Read more of her work here.

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