7 Signs You Might Need Therapy (Especially If You’re a Mom)

Look, I get it. You tell yourself you’re fine. You’re just tired, or hormonal, or “in a season.”Except that season has lasted three years and you’ve cried in your car twice this week.

If you’ve ever wondered whether therapy might actually help, here are a few subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs your nervous system is waving a tiny white flag and whispering, “please send help.”

1. You fantasize about running away.

Not in a dramatic “new identity” kind of way, just to a quiet Airbnb with snacks and no responsibilities. If the idea of being completely alone feels like relief instead of loneliness, that’s not selfish. That’s a sign of mom burnout and emotional overload.

2. You feel guilty no matter what you do.

If you’re with your kids, you feel bad for not being more present. If you’re working, you feel bad for not being home. If you finally get time to yourself, you spend it thinking about everything you “should” be doing.

3. You’re “fine,” but also kind of numb.

You’re functioning. You get the lunches made, the laundry folded, the work done. But joy feels out of reach. You laugh, but it doesn’t quite land. When you’ve been in survival mode for too long, your brain learns to shut off feelings just to keep you moving.

4. Every tiny thing feels like too much.

Your partner breathes wrong, the toddler spills milk, and suddenly you’re ready to burn the whole house down. You’re not crazy. You’re dysregulated. Your nervous system is doing its best to keep up, but it’s maxed out. Therapy can help you learn real tools for grounding, nervous system regulation, and emotional balance.

5. You don’t recognize yourself anymore.

Motherhood changes you, yes. But if you’ve lost track of what you even like, what matters to you, or what brings you joy, that’s not just motherhood. That’s a cue to reconnect with your identity outside of caretaking.

6. You can’t stop the mental noise.

You lay down at night and your brain starts sprinting. You replay conversations, plan meals, and worry about whether you’re doing enough for your kids. That constant mental load is exhausting.

7. You secretly hope someone will notice you’re not okay.

But also, you don’t want to say you’re not okay, because everyone else looks like they’re handling it. Here’s the truth: no one is handling it all. Some of us just stopped pretending and got support. That’s where therapy comes in.

Therapy isn’t a last resort. It’s maintenance for the human condition. Especially when you’re juggling motherhood, mental load, and the endless question, “am I doing enough?”

If any of these signs feel familiar, you don’t have to keep white-knuckling your way through. Therapy can help you rest, reset, and remember that you’re more than a caretaker. You’re still a whole person who deserves support, joy, and peace of mind.

At Daybreak Mental Health, we specialize in therapy for moms navigating anxiety, burnout, and postpartum overwhelm. If you’re ready to start feeling like yourself again, reach out. You don’t have to fall apart to ask for help.