Motherhood. One word that carries so much weight. Whether you are one, have one, or are missing one, it evokes a flood of emotions. History is filled with artwork, literature, and cultural narratives devoted to the concept, shaping our understanding of what it means to be a mother. But as society evolves, so does the experience of motherhood, and today, we are faced with new and complex challenges.
Mothers are told that it takes a village, yet so many look around wondering, where is that village? Motherhood is a role that brings emotions that often contrast with each other; the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, often coexisting in the very same moment. Pride in watching our children navigate their world is accompanied by guilt for not always “knowing” the right way to guide them. We have access to more information than ever before, yet instead of offering reassurance, it often feeds our fears–anxieties of doing the wrong thing, making the wrong choice, failing in ways we can't yet foresee.
“It’s a miracle.” “It’s what we are designed to do.” “It’s a blessing.” These are the messages women hear their entire lives, woven into movies, advertisements, books, and artwork. Motherhood is everything. But what is left unsaid, whispered only to the closest confidants or dropped like a quiet initiation to new mothers is this: motherhood is hard. It is a complex journey. It is the shedding of the old self and the gaining of something incomprehensibly beautiful and painful. It is lovely and tender, exhausting and isolating, sweaty and bloody, and hard-won. And sometimes, it comes with joy while others invoken great loss.
While, today, we are more connected than ever, that connection often magnifies the pressure, the expectations, the scrutiny. The journey to motherhood, whether easy, unexpected, or years in the making, is its own battle. And yet, it is only the beginning. Whether it is society or our own internal dialog, the expectiations for mothers is unequivocal and often leads to self doubt that overshadows the joys and gifts that only a mother can experience.
Dr. Erica Veach understands the unique challenges that come with motherhood, both personally and professionally. As a licensed psychologist and the owner of Living Rite, McHenry, she has built a career around supporting mothers, especially those who often go unseen after childbirth. But beyond her work, she is a mother to three energetic boys; Breckin, Brycen, and Brayden, who fill her days with baseball games, school events, and the everyday joys and chaos of parenting.
Erica’s connection to her community runs deep. She grew up in Crystal Lake and now raises her children in the same town, alongside her husband, Justin, who is from neighboring Huntley. Their boys even attend the same schools she once did, creating a meaningful full-circle moment for their family. One of their most cherished traditions is attending the Lakeside Fest and the fireworks at Main Beach. Every year, Erica wakes up early to stand in line for hours, ensuring her family gets the perfect spot, a small but significant tradition that keeps them connected to the town she loves.
Her journey to becoming a psychologist wasn’t a straight path. She attended multiple colleges, even switching schools the day after arriving at one, always searching for the right fit.
Erica often reflects on how her life could have turned out differently had she made other choices, but she knows now that every step led her exactly where she was meant to be. A pivotal moment in high school reinforced this path. A friend told her that if she studied academics the way she studied relationships, she would be very successful. That comment stayed with her, shaping her career, even though the friend likely has no idea the impact those words had. It’s a reminder that words carry weight, and sometimes, a passing remark can shape someone’s future.
Erica specializes in postpartum depression and anxiety, helping mothers who are often overlooked in the weeks and months following childbirth. She also supports women who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth, guiding them through grief and healing. Her dedication to this work is deeply personal. After the birth of her youngest son, she struggled with postpartum depression, made worse by the heartbreaking case of A.J. Freund, a young boy from Crystal Lake whose tragic death shook the community. Erica found herself obsessing over the case, driving by his house and crying constantly. It was her husband who gently encouraged her to seek help, and through therapy, she was able to regain her sense of self. That experience not only reinforced her belief in the importance of mental health care but also shaped how she approaches her own clients. She often reminds others that therapy isn’t just for those in crisis, even therapists need therapists.
Though she grew up as a dancer with little interest in other sports, Erica now finds herself immersed in the world of baseball thanks to her three boys. Watching them play has become one of her greatest joys, and she laughs at how she has transformed into a passionate sports mom. The highs and lows, wins and losses, and conflicting personalities all challenge her to continue to grow and learn as a mom and a woman. Being a “baseball mom”offers a unique lens into different parenting styles and inspires us to grow as a parent ourselves. Just as her sons have learned about comraderie and teamwork, so too has Erica, from the sidelines.
Balancing motherhood, a growing practice, and a husband who runs his own business isn’t always easy, but like so many mothers, she finds a way. This firsthand experience gives her a deep understanding of the women she helps, mothers who give so much to everyone around them and sometimes need to be reminded to care for themselves, too.
Since opening Living Rite in July 2022, Erica has been committed to filling gaps in mental health care within the community. Her office consists of six therapists who collectively cover a wide range of ages and concerns, from childhood issues to substance abuse and personality disorders. If there is a need in the community, Erica seeks to provide support, whether through her own expertise or by connecting people with the right resources. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her impact by working more closely with schools, helping students develop emotional skills and training teachers to better support their students' mental health.
Erica’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. She is a mother who understands the struggles of other mothers, a therapist who knows the importance of self-care, and a community member dedicated to making a difference. Through her work, her family, and her faith, she continues to support and uplift those around her. Because she knows that sometimes, the people who give the most need someone to pour into them, too.
Motherhood is a role that brings emotions that often contrast with each other
Erica knows that every step led her exactly where she was meant to be