Ep. 222 - Overcoming Mom Anxiety and Guilt with Patrice Payment

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Mom guilt and anxiety often show up hand in hand—and for many moms, it feels impossible to shake.

In this episode of The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast, I’m joined by psychotherapist Patrice Payment to talk about why anxiety can hit hard after becoming a mom, even if you never struggled with it before. We unpack the most common triggers, the thought patterns that keep you stuck, and the link between guilt and the pressure to “do it all.”

You’ll learn how to identify unhelpful thinking patterns like black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing, and “should” statements—and how to replace them with more compassionate, flexible perspectives. We also share practical tools to shift from feeling powerless to feeling in control of your choices, reduce burnout, and prioritize your own needs without guilt.

Whether you’re a new mom or years into motherhood, these strategies will help you navigate anxiety with confidence, protect your mental health, and enjoy motherhood without losing yourself.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why anxiety often starts after kids, even if you were fine before
• Common ways mom guilt and anxiety show up in daily life
• How “should” statements fuel guilt and burnout
• Strategies for challenging unhelpful thought patterns
• Practical tools to respond to anxiety instead of spiraling
• The surprising link between saying “no” and feeling calmer

Connect with Patrice!

Website: www.momlifewithp.com

IG: @momlifecounseling

Thanks for listening!

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Additional Resources:

• Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage? Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)
• Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!
• Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!