Hey, Christian mom struggling with anxiety. I see you, and I know what it’s like.
This mama knows what it’s like to have your mom anxiety take over and cause you to feel like you’re losing control.
And I know how it feels to have your mind constantly jumping to worst-case scenarios, because that’s what mamas do, right?
I am all too familiar with the pain of being consumed by irrational thoughts, as if you’re a prisoner in your own mind.
What’s more, I know how it feels to be torn between constantly craving alone time and worrying sick about your child’s well-being when your little one’s not in your presence.
Mom Anxiety Is Real
I know what it’s like to tiptoe into your sweet baby’s room multiple times when he’s asleep to make sure he’s still breathing.
And I’m familiar with the experience of watching your kid like a hawk when she’s eating, ready to perform the Heimlich if need be.
It’s the feeling of always being “on.” As if you’re in a perpetual fight-or-flight mode. Because, really, you are. At least your body thinks so.
I know the exhaustion that comes, not just from the everyday tasks of being a mom, but also from a mind that races like crazy when your head hits the pillow at night. It’s like a barrage of to do’s and unreasonable worries are having a party in your brain.
Christian Mom Anxiety and the Heart Ache
I know the ache of feeling like a failure as a believer because you are a Christian mom struggling with anxiety. And the “encouragement” from other (mostly well-meaning) believers to “just pray it away,” or being told that you are “too blessed to be stressed” is like pouring salt into a wound.
If you could just “pray it away” you would. And you’ve likely tried. And then you feel like an even bigger failure when mom anxiety hits you again. And you feel even more alone. It’s a vicious cycle.
And then there’s the physical manifestation of mom anxiety.
The muscle tension, the dizziness, the insomnia, the difficulty focusing and concentrating. And then there’s the irritability, the pounding heart, the nausea and the overall sense of feeling completely out of control. Fun times.
Mom anxiety is real.
I Was a Mom Struggling With Anxiety
The first few months of motherhood for me were a strange mixture of complete joy and utter sorrow. My heart was bursting with gratefulness to my Heavenly Father for so intricately designing my body to carry life and allowing me the honor and privilege of becoming a mama. It’s my proudest accomplishment.
Yet in the midst of my gratitude I felt an overwhelming sense of failure, worry, and fear because of the huge life transition. My thankful heart felt as though it was being overshadowed by the unbearable thought that I was a horrible mother because I couldn’t get my anxiety under control. I believed that my daughter deserved so much better, so much more. A mama who didn’t sob uncontrollably. All. Day. Long.
A mama who calmly dealt like a boss with whatever motherhood threw at her and who had her junk together. And that mama, I had convinced myself, I was not.
Related: Christian Anxiety, Fear, and Worry: My Health Journey
The Moment That Everything Changed
And then it was like the Father cupped my chin in His powerful hands and gently lifted my face to His. He whispered gently in my ear “Daughter, it’s time you stop listening to the Enemy’s poisonous lies and start listening to and standing firm on my unchangeable, unshakable truths.”
And my heart began to settle because I realized that these lies that I had allowed to become my new identity were not the fabrication of my own mind but the handiwork of the Adversary. He is the Father of lies and he loves to target new mamas. Why? Because we are Kingdom builders and because he knows that we are vulnerable in the early stages of motherhood. And if he can break us down, he can wound the Kingdom.
When I realized this truth, everything changed. Standing at the proverbial fork in the road, I had a choice to make: I could continue swallowing the untruths being thrown at me by the Enemy or I could choose to walk in Truth. I chose the latter.
You Can Overcome Mom Anxiety
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a mama, it’s that mindset is everything. I started to wrap my brain around my amazing, important role as a mama and how I could make a difference in the Kingdom. Yes, I’m a booty-wipin,’ boo-boo kissin’ mama during the day-to-day, but Christian motherhood is so much more, friend. We are building the Father’s Kingdom. It’s time we stop acting like motherhood is inferior to that which the world has to offer and treat our heavenly-appointed position with the respect and value that it holds.
So what does waving your motherhood banner have to do with overcoming Christian mom anxiety? Everything. The confidence that comes with embracing your extraordinary role as a Kingdom-building mama will send the Enemy packing. Will He still try to empty his lies into the nooks and crannies of your mind? There’s a good chance. But there’s an even better chance that you will know how to fight back. How to put him in his place. You’re on to him and you’re not backing down. Because we’ve got a Kingdom to build, mama. And we’re better together.
Hope for the Christian Mama With Anxiety
So, Christian mom struggling with anxiety, you are not alone. Because your feelings are real. And I know you love your Heavenly Father and want to serve Him well. And, if no one’s told you today, you are a great mama. You wouldn’t be reading this article and seeking out help and encouragement if you weren’t. Remember who you are. Remember Whose you are. He has you in the palm of His hand, sweet mama. Listen to His truths. His love for you is far bigger than any worry that may enter your mind. You are a Kingdom builder. And you are loved.
Are you so over feelings of panic and anxiety robbing you of your peace and joy? Me too.
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