Danielle S. Gordon LPC, SCL, NCC, PMH-C
Licensed Clinical Therapist
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist
Educator, Speaker, Consultant, & Coach
MOTHERHOOD STRESS
& ANXIETY
In today's world women can easily be set up for failure: biologically we were created to protect our loved ones and survive. One way to do this is to listen to our body, recognize our needs, and make sure they are met. Socially, women have been taught that sacrificing their own needs for the needs of others is the "right thing to do". We're told "good moms" don't necessarily prioritize themselves, creating conflicting messages:
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Myth: Good moms like their kids all the time.
Reality: Is there anyone that you can like ALL the time? Our children develop personalities of their own, and just like adults, they are not always easy to get along with. We can still love our kids and also not like them at the same moment.
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​Myth: Asking for help is a sign of weakness.
Reality: Asking for help is a sign of strength, wisdom, and understanding of self. Letting supportive friends and family into your life, as well as accepting help, prevents burnout and future resentment of those around you.
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Myth: Putting your own needs before your family's is selfish.​
Reality: Absolutely not! You can't take care of other people if you aren't taking care of yourself. Unfortunately, self-care and parenting don't often feel like two things that can co-exist in our lives. But pursuing your own desires and interests is imperative in being a good mom and partner.
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So many misconceptions, particularly about parenting, exist in our culture; images and stories of happy moms, smiling children, and magical moments fill our social media feeds and our minds. And in reality, things can look quite different. Yet when we don’t match this picture- we begin to question ourselves; self-doubt creeps in, self-esteem plummets...Motherhood catches up with you.
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Therapy can provide a safe space for you to prioritize yourself, conquer mom guilt, challenge unrealistic expectations, and explore/reclaim your identity.
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*Also offering parenting support sessions.