Mama's Got Anxiety: But It's Not Going to Steal Her Joy

by Courtney Devich

All moms worry, right? But if you suffer from an anxiety disorder, that worry can quickly become debilitating. Fears about something bad happening to your kids, obsessing, stigmas around taking medication, panic attacks, the need for control, difficulty sleeping, and the feeling of what your anxiety says about your faith. You know your time with your kids is precious, but the worry, fear, and anxiety conspire to steal your joy.

In Mama's Got Anxiety, fellow anxious mom Courtney Devich helps you understand all the anxious feelings you're facing so you can cope and take your joy back. Equipping you with biblical hope and encouragement, she shows you

· the truth to combat the lies you've believed about your anxiety
· the strength from God's Word to face all the feelings and symptoms of anxiety
· how anxiety is not a sign of weak faith or something to be ashamed of
· how God can use your anxiety for good

You don't have to let your anxiety steal your joy in motherhood. Instead, let Courtney show you the comfort God gives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Parenting

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2023

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like a comfortable conversation with a good friend. A Titus 2 type of woman who has been where you are and conquered. She makes you laugh, gives sage advice and points you to Jesus. And that’s all you could really ever hope for. Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for the ARC copy. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.

[Kayley Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a Christ-follower who struggles with anxiety, this book is for you. The author outlines some very specific fears and combats them with Scripture. It’s another great tool to have in your arsenal against anxiety.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christian perspective for coping with anxiety, especially for Moms but really for anyone suffering from the illness. Helpful, inspiring!

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was very easy to read and relatable. Courtney has a great sense of humor and brings in lots of Scripture too! I didn't really feel like there was anything "new" to me in this book (I've had anxiety for years), but the truth of it was still important and relevant!

[Amy Renaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are going through ongoing anxiety, fear, panic attacks consider picking Courtney Devich’s book up. I love how Devich points to scripture repeatedly. She will tell you in the pages that she’s not an expert, but this book is meant to be like a mama-friend encouraging you.

Though the topic was heavy, Devich’s writing voice made it for an easy read. Like having a cup of coffee with a friend. Also, if you have a friend or loved one with an anxiety disorder this might be a good book for you to better understand the battle they face.

[Kathryn Lankton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book that guides you through approaching motherhood/anxiety/depression with God and scripture. Written in a way that it feels like you're talking to a friend. Highly recommend!

[Kristi Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom who was diagnosed with postpartum depression and anxiety, I did a lot of searching online for resources to help get me out of that dark place. That is when I found Courtney on Instagram. I loved her page and naturally got excited when I found out she wrote a book. I am happy to find that the book is NOT just a bunch of quotes off her Instagram. It is a heartfelt, well laid out, “self” help book. I use quotes there, because really what she is doing is guiding you with scripture and teaching you how to utilize God’s comfort and help. She allows herself to be vulnerable, sharing snippets of her life, as well as digging deep into what her everyday symptoms from anxiety look like. I could relate to so much of her story, it certainly makes me feel less alone. The scripture she shares and the guidance for how it can help someone in their everyday struggle with anxiety has given me so much hope. With the begining of my PPD and PPA, (which has since turned into “generalized anxiety disorder”) I felt so hopeless, and my relationship with God got buried under stress, fear, and daily struggles. He got left behind. Courtney’s book has given me a map for how to navigate through those daily struggles to find Him again. And given me faith that as I find him, he will help tear down some of those burdens. One of my favorite things is that each chapter ends with a very short recap of the most important points and Bible verses, making this an awesome resource to return to as needed. Thank you Courtney for baring your soul in order to help the rest of us anxious mamas out there!

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

BLURB:
All moms worry, right? But if you suffer from an anxiety disorder, that worry can quickly become debilitating. Fears about something bad happening to your kids, obsessing, stigmas around taking medication, panic attacks, the need for control, difficulty sleeping, and the feeling of what your anxiety says about your faith. You know your time with your kids is precious, but the worry, fear, and anxiety conspire to steal your joy.

In Mama's Got Anxiety, fellow anxious mom Courtney Devich helps you understand all the anxious feelings you're facing so you can cope and take your joy back. Equipping you with biblical hope and encouragement, she shows you

· the truth to combat the lies you've believed about your anxiety
· the strength from God's Word to face all the feelings and symptoms of anxiety
· how anxiety is not a sign of weak faith or something to be ashamed of
· how God can use your anxiety for good

You don't have to let your anxiety steal your joy in motherhood. Instead, let Courtney show you the comfort God gives.

MY REVIEW:
This book is like a conversation with a friend who has already been through a similar journey. This is not a self-help book, but rather confirmation that you are allowed to feel the way you feel. This book is anecdotal, the author has no formal training in counselling or therapy, but it was still a refreshing read.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a new mom, I was intrigued by this book.

I enjoyed the chapters that were specifically about anxiety in motherhood, but about half of the chapters were about anxiety in general, pandemic related anxiety, and the stigma surrounding anxiety in Christian circles.

As someone whose anxiety pertains mostly to my role as a mother, I did not benefit from these other chapters. So if you have anxiety in other parts of your life, you may better relate to that half of the book.

All in all, this book made me feel both seen and heard…reminding me that I am not alone. It’s also a good reminder to turn to Jesus at all times.

“It’s continually choosing His peace over my fear. It’s continually seeking His presence and strength when anxiety starts to take over. Anxiety does not get to win.” – Courtney Devich

*I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. This review is my own opinion.*

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book can be like talking to a good friend and this is what this book was like for me!

The author clearly has been sitting where I've sat and feeling as I have done and tbh it's so refreshing not to feel completely alone in one's life.

Whilst I am not a believer of Jesus and have my own faith, I could feel the good intentions of Ms. Devich and the love and comfort poured into this book through advice and plain ol' support. Some of the chapters about anxiety relating to the pandemic etc, I could relate to but others about religion did less for me, but it still made me feel like I was talking to a friend and this comforted me.

With thanks to netgalley for this free ARC in return for honest review.

[McYang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right off the bat it’s important to note the author has no training in behavioral science or mental health, but with that said this was a refreshing book and I enjoyed reading it. It felt more like a conversation with a good friend who’s “been there” rather than a gimmicky self help book. I am not a Christian, and I waved into this knowing it’s a Christian themed book, but they didn’t bother me or get in the way of the larger messages the author had to share.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands-down the best book on a Christian woman’s battle with anxiety that I have ever read. Mama’s Got Anxiety, by Courtney Devich, is chock full of facts about anxiety, parables from the Bible, stories of the author’s own battle, memorization scripture and helpful ways to battle this demon called anxiety. Every chapter is clear, concise and jam-packed with helpful information. I will definitely recommend this book to many many friends who battle anxiety and panic disorders.

[Rebecca Coxson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You have anxiety? Maybe you don't really believe." I heard these words, and my world crumble. I felt so alone. Courtney takes being a Christian struggling with mental health and makes you feel like it's okay! Courtney uses Bible verses to show God still loves you, despite the mental illness. I have felt so much less alone since reading this!
I recommend reading!

[geekoutonreading : Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like talking with a close friend that ACTUALLY GETS YOU. It's like a breath of fresh air, and you realize that you are not alone in your fight; full of moments that will make you say, "Me, too!" This book is not only insightful and inspirational, it doesn't make you feel less than or judged.

[Sara Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for picking me as a winner from the giveaway. I really enjoyed this book. I can see it helping other people besides moms.

[Emily Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was so relatable and helped me feel not so alone in my struggles with anxiety.

[Becca Yager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was impressed with how much scripture Courtney uses in this book. I especially liked the verse about God's consolation bringing us joy when we're anxious.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thank the Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book! The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

This was a lot better than I expected! I've read a few books like this recently. Most sound more like a biography/autobiography/memoir with little to learn for someone who struggles with mental illness other than how someone else deals with theirs. This book was different! It contained plenty of relevant information and scripture and summarized the chapters for easy reference after finishing the book. This book is not only for moms but for anyone who suffers from anxiety.