Anxiety & Depression
Therapy in Missouri & Utah
Getting out of bed feels like climbing a mountain.
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Getting out of bed feels like climbing a mountain. _
I wish I could turn my brain off, just for a little while.
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I wish I could turn my brain off, just for a little while. _
I can’t shake this constant feeling of sadness or emptiness.
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I can’t shake this constant feeling of sadness or emptiness. _
Why do I feel so overwhelmed by even the smallest things?
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Why do I feel so overwhelmed by even the smallest things? _
If you've had any of these thoughts/feelings, you may be experiencing anxiety or depression. It's okay! You are a good person and good people need support. You are not in this alone. Anxiety & Depression manifest in different ways; it is not a one size fits all.
can stand alongside you on this journey. You do not ever have to go through it alone.
Waves of Motherhood: Therapy for Moms
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety can feel and look different for everyone.
In general it is...
A persistent, overwhelming sense of worry that never quite goes away.
Constantly anticipating the worst, bracing yourself for something bad to happen, and trying to prevent the "inevitable."
Struggling to complete even simple tasks because your mind feels stuck in overdrive.
Feeling like irritability or frustration has become your default mood.
Difficulty sleeping, or lying awake for hours despite being completely exhausted.
Anxiety in the Day to Day
Anxiety can feel like standing at the edge of the water, watching the waves roll in—powerful, unpredictable, and relentless. Just like those waves, anxiety can leave you feeling constantly on edge, bracing for something to go wrong, and struggling to stay grounded or in control of your emotions. It can feel like a current pulling you out to sea, leaving you adrift in endless worry and fear. The constant churn of anxious thoughts can make it difficult to fully enjoy life’s calm and joyful moments, as you find yourself waiting for the next wave to crash.
But just as a skilled surfer learns to ride the waves with balance and confidence, therapy can help you navigate the ups and downs of anxiety. Together, we can identify the sources of your anxiety, develop strategies to manage your symptoms, and create tools that help you feel more grounded and secure, even when the waves feel overwhelming. With practice, you can learn to harness the energy of those waves and use them to propel yourself forward—like a seasoned surfer mastering even the most challenging conditions. You don’t have to face the waves alone; with the right support, you can find calm amidst the storm and navigate your journey with resilience and strength.
I will help you…
Understand where anxiety comes from and how it spills into other parts of life.
Anxiety can prevent you from communicating the way you want, it can keep you up at night, tell you to stay home when you actually want to see friends, and so much more that can have a taxing effect on your body and mind.
Anxiety pulls you out of your body. Instead of checking in with yourself and how your emotions, you are completely stuck in our own mind pondering how things will go wrong or how you're messing up.
Explore your body’s sensations and thoughts when anxiety levels are high.
Learn skills to help manage anxiety and negative self talk.
Therapy will help to build up your tool belt with effective skills that work specifically for you and adjust your long term self-talk.
What is Depression?
Major Depressive Disorder can look and feel different for every person. In general, depression may appear as...
An overwhelming sense of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness that feels impossible to shake.
You may find yourself withdrawing from others and avoiding places or activities you used to enjoy.
Even small tasks, like getting out of bed or getting ready for the day, can feel like climbing a mountain you’re not equipped to climb.
You might notice changes in your appetite—eating too much or not at all—and fluctuations in your weight.
It can feel like your thoughts are foggy, making it hard to concentrate or form logical connections.
The weight of exhaustion can feel unbearable, leaving you drained and unsure of how you managed to make it through the day.
You might experience harsh self-criticism, thinking you're a failure or that you’re not good enough.
Intense feelings of guilt can arise, especially if you feel like you’re not meeting your own expectations or caring for others the way you want to.
In severe cases, you may have thoughts of self-harm or feel as though the world would be better off without you.
If you’re experiencing these feelings, know that you don’t have to navigate them alone. Therapy can provide you with a safe space to explore your emotions, learn coping strategies, and take steps toward healing and rediscovering hope.
Depression in the Day to Day
Depression can feel like being caught in the middle of a powerful riptide. At first, you might not even realize it’s happening—the waves feel just a little more intense than usual, and you convince yourself you can handle it. But before long, you glance around and realize you’ve drifted far from shore, struggling to keep your head above water. The exhaustion, the overwhelm—it all seems so much more intense now. The shore feels impossibly far away, and the weight of it all makes it difficult to catch your breath. It’s disorienting, overwhelming, and you feel lost in the current.
That’s how depression can creep up on you, quietly at first, until it becomes hard to manage. What may have started as a rough patch can slowly turn into a deeper struggle, and you may find yourself stuck in the overwhelming tide of your own thoughts and emotions. The weight of everyday life, the responsibilities of motherhood, work, or relationships, and the persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness may feel like they’re pulling you under, making it difficult to keep moving forward.
But just like with a riptide, there’s always a way back to safety. It may not be easy, but help is out there—someone can throw you a lifeline, and that’s where therapy comes in. Together, we can navigate these murky waters, helping you find your footing and move toward the emotional safety you need. With the right support, we can work together to build resilience, develop coping strategies, and help you find your way back to emotional balance. It’s possible to regain your sense of clarity, and with time, you can rediscover the strength and peace that once felt so far away.
I will help you…
Depression can hinder your ability to express yourself effectively, disrupt your sleep patterns, and discourage you from engaging in activities you enjoy. These symptoms can take a toll on both your physical and mental well-being, impacting various aspects of your daily life and relationships.
Understand where depression comes from and how it spills into other parts of life.
Rather than being present with your emotions and experiences, you may find yourself trapped in negative thoughts, fixating on perceived failures or anticipating things going wrong. This disconnect can lead to a sense of detachment and inner turmoil, making it challenging to engage fully in the present moment.
Create a safe and nonjudgmental environment where you can openly express your thoughts, feelings, and struggles without fear of criticism.
Learn skills to help manage depression and negative thought patterns.
Therapy will help to build up your tool belt with effective skills that work specifically for you and adjust your long term self-talk.
Looking for Counseling for Moms in Missouri or Utah?
Get started with a complimentary 10-15 minute phone consultation. Email Jessica today to get started. Let's bring more joy and confidence into your motherhood journey.