Over-functioning and Over-worked: The Hidden Drivers of Maternal Anxiety and How to Break Free

Many mothers quietly carry the weight of chronic anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt—often misattributing these patterns to personality flaws or failure. In this revealing episode, maternal mental health expert Kate Kripke joins The Light Inside to expose the subconscious and physiological roots of maternal anxiety, uncovering how early emotional conditioning, nervous system dysregulation, and internalized beliefs like “I am not enough” shape modern motherhood.

Together, we explore how these hidden forces contribute to cycles of over-functioning, emotional suppression, and the need for control—all while impacting children through subtle physiological cues and intergenerational stress transmission. Kate outlines a science-backed framework to break free: Curiosity, Compassion, and Choice—tools that empower mothers to move from survival mode to secure, embodied connection.

This conversation is a must-listen for parents, caregivers, and professionals seeking to understand the deeper, trauma-informed roots of maternal stress and how to rewire these unconscious patterns for a more regulated, connected life.

Episode Credits

Guest: Kate Kripke — Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Maternal Mental Health Specialist, and Founder of the Postpartum Wellness Center of Boulder.

Host & Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

Produced by: The Light Inside Podcast

Written & Researched by: Anna Getz

Audio Production: Aloft Media

For more insightful episodes, visit us at www.thelightinside.site and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.