Motherhood is a profound and transformative experience, no matter what your journey to get there looks like. However, as beautiful as it is, it can also bring about intense anxiety and worry that can really take away the joy that is supposed to be prevalent during this time. While it’s common for mothers to experience some level of anxiety, there are instances where these feelings may be more than just ‘new mom nerves.’ That’s why today, I want to help you distinguish between typical anxiety and symptoms that might indicate Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Specifically, there are 4 mom anxiety symptoms that can mask OCD.

By raising awareness, my goal is always to provide clarity and support for mothers who might be struggling with these issues. Below, I’ll share how to identify these symptoms, understand their implications, and find ways to manage them effectively. Sound good?

1. Being Terrified to Be Alone with Your Baby

This first one is a BIG one. Partly because it’s natural for new moms to feel protective of their babies. But when this protectiveness turns into an overwhelming fear of being alone with the baby due to catastrophic thoughts, it might be more than just anxiety. To give you an example of what this can look like. imagine a mom who constantly fears that something dreadful will happen to her baby if she’s left alone. She might avoid situations where she is the sole caregiver, feeling immense guilt and stress from her partner. This fear can be a manifestation of OCD, where intrusive thoughts create extreme anxiety.

It’s important to recognize that these thoughts are not reflective of a mom’s true intentions or capabilities. 

2. Fears and Unwanted Images Of You Acting On Impulse (Even Though That Terrifies You!)

Next, we have Intrusive thoughts. These are unwelcome ideas or images that can pop into your mind unprompted and naturally create significant distress. For some moms, these thoughts might involve acting impulsively in ways that terrify them. For example, a mom might find herself constantly battling unwanted thoughts about harming her baby, despite having no desire or intention to do so. These thoughts can be deeply upsetting and ultimately lead to avoidance behaviors.

These intrusive thoughts are a hallmark of OCD. They are ego-dystonic, meaning they are opposite to a person’s values and desires. Recognizing this can help in seeking appropriate treatment and reducing self-judgment. It can be incredibly scary to open up about thoughts like these, which is WHY it’s important to talk about how normal this really is.

3. Worries About Your Relationship with Your Child

Moms often worry about their bond with their children, but when these worries become all-consuming and impact your daily life, it’s another one of the mom anxiety symptoms that can indicate OCD. Consider a mom who constantly questions whether she’s a good parent or if her child loves her. These doubts can lead to repetitive reassurance-seeking behaviors, which only provide temporary relief.

Imagine a mom who, despite her best efforts and loving care, frequently finds herself doubting her abilities and the strength of her relationship with her child. She might repeatedly ask her partner, friends, or even her child if she is a good mother, seeking validation to ease her fears. Yet, this reassurance is fleeting; soon after, the doubts creep back in, creating a vicious cycle. This is also why talk therapy can do more harm than good when it comes to treating OCD.

This constant need for reassurance can be exhausting and overwhelming, not just for the mother but for those around her as well. It may lead to her feeling isolated, ashamed, or guilty for having such persistent worries. Over time, these feelings can erode her confidence and affect her overall mental health.

4. Constant Taboo Thoughts

Taboo thoughts, including sexual thoughts, are among the most stigmatized symptoms of OCD. They can cause intense shame and suffering. It’s understandable too, as these thoughts are not something you have control over and similarly to the unwanted images we discussed above, are not something you would ever act on.

For example, a mom might experience intrusive sexual thoughts that are deeply disturbing and contrary to her values. These thoughts can lead to significant distress and avoidance of certain activities or interactions (like being alone with your baby or constantly Google-ing things or taking part in other rituals to avoid it).

Understanding that these thoughts are a symptom of OCD and not a reflection of your character is crucial. It’s so important that we de-stigmatize the shame around this, so that mothers (and fathers!) can feel comfortable admitting they are struggling and need help.

If you’re reading this and relating (and are tired of feeling like this), check out Handling Scary Thoughts in Motherhood. This almost 3-hour long masterclass is designed to help you through these scary thoughts, and take control of your life back.

A Personal Perspective on OCD in Motherhood

As a mom who has experienced OCD firsthand since I was a child and has worked with clients dealing with OCD and anxiety for over 15 years, I know the challenges these symptoms can present. The journey to understanding and managing these symptoms can be difficult, but it is also incredibly rewarding. I always say, that YES, this is hard work, but living with OCD and anxiety is hard work too. You get to choose your hard.

Raising awareness about the intersection of motherhood and OCD is the first step. Too many mothers suffer in silence, believing their symptoms are just a part of being a new mom. By recognizing the signs and seeking appropriate help, my hope is that mothers can find relief and enjoy their time with their children more fully.

Treating Mom Anxiety Symptoms and OCD 

Understanding the distinction between “normal” mom anxiety symptoms and symptoms that might indicate OCD is so important. Recognizing these symptoms early can pave the way for seeking the right help and support, ensuring that motherhood remains a joyful and fulfilling experience rather than one overshadowed by fear and uncertainty. I want you to experience the JOY of motherhood more than anything, and living with OCD and anxiety can make it incredibly hard to do so. 

If you’ve identified with any of the symptoms (or anything else I’ve said) and are ready to take your life back (and become your own therapist), I’d love for you to sign up for my online course, The OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint. This course is designed to provide you with the evidence-backed tools, knowledge, and support needed to overcome anxiety and OCD, helping you reclaim your peace of mind and enjoy motherhood to its fullest. I’ve poured everything I have inside of me from doing this work for the past 15 years, and created something that I WISH I had a lot sooner. Join hundreds of other moms inside who are just like you, and have chosen to take their life back and embrace their most bad ass selves. Sign up now!