Are You an Anxious Millennial Mom? You’re Not Alone
Being a mother is absolutely amazing, but it can also be incredibly anxiety-provoking. It's full of late-night Googling "Why is my kid (insert current issue)?" Often followed by sifting through social media mom accounts, hoping to find an answer. The issue is that you'll find 37 suggestions, and all of them are different. Which "expert" or self-proclaimed baby whisperer do you listen to first? It's no wonder that stressed-out and overwhelmed millennial moms feel this way!
Millennial moms grew up with the idea that technology was life-changing and innovative. We experienced the internet with fresh eyes and wonder. And look at us now! We're raising a new generation. All while constantly worrying about how well we're doing at raising them. We've learned that we can Google something or ask Siri and get an immediate answer. Now, I'm not here to criticize that. It’s been helpful in so many ways. But I am here to say it’s affecting the moods and self-esteem of moms everywhere. Especially anxious moms in Youngstown, OH, where I work as a therapist.
So, Why Are Millennial Moms Extra Anxious?
Our parents could ask their mothers or grandmothers anything. For instance, about baby milestones and kid problems. They'd get a simple, experience-based answer. It was simpler, for better or worse. While that advice wasn’t always right, it didn’t come with added stress. Or the constant, conflicting information flashing from a mini-computer in their pockets. The pressure was less about "should do" and more about a routine that had worked for generations.
Fast forward to now, and millennial moms are bombarded with perfectly curated images of parenting on social media. You might scroll through Instagram and see a family with two kids wearing matching outfits, everyone smiling at Disney World, while you're wiping spit-up off your shirt, feeling like a mess. Or maybe it's that muted, color-coordinated playroom with wooden toys that look untouched, as if no child has ever thrown a tantrum there. Whether we realize it or not, these unrealistic portrayals of motherhood can feed into the anxiety that we're already carrying.
EMDR for birth trauma or anxiety can be life-changing for moms who are not only trying to live up to societal expectations but also healing from emotional wounds left by traumatic childbirth experiences. Birth trauma in Ohio is more common than many realize, and the pressure to be the “perfect mom” after a traumatic birth can feel suffocating.
Navigating the Pressure to Be the "Perfect" Mom
On top of these comparisons, there’s the added layer of trying to raise children in a way that aligns with our values. Many millennial moms don’t want to repeat the mistakes of previous generations. We grew up hearing things like "suck it up," "finish everything on your plate," or "respect adults no matter what." These lessons, which often came from a place of well-meaning, left emotional scars for many of us. Now, we’re trying to raise our children with a healthier understanding of boundaries, consent, and emotional intelligence—but it’s exhausting. The pressure to "get it right" is enormous.
And for those struggling with infertility or birth trauma, the emotional toll is even heavier. I work as an infertility mental health therapist in Ohio, and I’ve seen firsthand how infertility challenges can add layers of anxiety to motherhood. When you’ve worked so hard to become a mom—through fertility treatments, pregnancy loss, or both—the pressure to be a “perfect” mom is magnified.
The Emotional Toll of Infertility
Infertility doesn’t just impact your physical health. It also deeply challenges your sense of self-worth and identity. It's easy to start believing things like, "I'm to blame," or "My body has failed me." These are harsh, self-critical beliefs that can become deeply ingrained, especially when you feel like your body is “supposed” to do something it isn’t. You may start to see yourself as “broken” or wonder if you did something wrong. These beliefs can become so powerful that they cloud everything else, making it hard to see yourself beyond your infertility struggle.
Women may also start to internalize the idea that "I'm not enough," or "I don’t deserve to be a mother." It’s heartbreaking, but infertility can make you question your worth as a person. You may look at others who seem to conceive effortlessly and wonder why you’re not good enough. This belief can extend beyond the fertility journey, impacting how you feel about yourself in other areas of life as well. If you’re dealing with these struggles, therapy for infertility in Ohio could be a crucial support in finding relief.
Finding Relief with EMDR Therapy
That’s where EMDR for birth trauma and infertility comes in. Whether you're struggling with trauma from childbirth or infertility, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help process the deep emotional pain you're carrying. By working with a therapist trained in EMDR for birth trauma in Ohio, you can process those traumatic experiences, reframe your negative beliefs, and feel less burdened by them.
EMDR intensives can help you reconnect with your sense of self and restore your confidence in motherhood. Whether it's processing the trauma of a difficult birth or releasing the guilt that infertility has placed on you, EMDR offers a way to heal. You don’t have to carry the weight of these struggles alone. The right therapist can guide you through the journey, helping you release the pain and reclaim your identity.
Practical Tips for Reducing Anxiety as a Millennial Mom
I know that the journey to feeling better isn’t always easy. Here are a few tips to help manage anxiety in your day-to-day life while you consider professional help:
Set Boundaries with Social Media: Limit the time you spend scrolling, especially if you find yourself comparing your life to curated, unrealistic images of motherhood. Give yourself permission to unfollow or mute accounts that trigger anxiety or guilt.
Learn to Say No: Whether it's volunteering at your child's school or hosting the next playdate, saying "no" is a powerful way to protect your mental health. Modeling this boundary for your kids is also a valuable lesson for them.
Take Breaks—Big or Small: You don’t need a trip to Fiji to recharge. Taking a 20-minute walk, a long bath, or simply having an uninterrupted cup of coffee can make a huge difference in reducing stress and anxiety.
EMDR for Birth Trauma and Infertility in Youngstown & Throughout Ohio
If you're an anxious mom in Youngstown, OH, or dealing with the emotional toll of infertility or birth trauma, therapy can help you heal. EMDR for birth trauma and infertility is a powerful tool that allows you to process deep emotional pain and reclaim your peace of mind. Whether you're navigating the challenges of motherhood or working through the trauma of infertility, I’m here to support you.
Support for Anxious Moms in Youngstown& Throughout Ohio Through EMDR
If you’re navigating the challenges of motherhood, infertility, or the lingering effects of birth trauma, you don’t have to face it alone. These struggles can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to define you. EMDR for birth trauma and infertility in Youngstown, OH, offers a pathway to healing, helping you process underlying trauma, release self-blame, and find relief from the weight of anxiety and fear. Every mom deserves to move forward with confidence, peace, and the support they need. Follow these steps to get started with the best therapist for moms:
Schedule a free intro call with me today
Book your first EMDR appointment to begin healing.
Release the emotional weight of trauma and embrace motherhood and life with renewed strength and calm.
Other Virtual Therapy Services I Offer in Ohio
As a therapist for anxious moms and an infertility mental health therapist in Ohio, I offer a variety of services to help you start living a life you love. One of my specialties is providing EMDR intensives and birth trauma therapy in Ohio. Which can help with birth trauma, infertility, anxiety, past trauma, and more. Plus I also offer EMDR for grief and therapy for infertility in Ohio. If you are a mother who needs support contact me today.
