Postpartum Worry or Anxiety?
My mom always told me she’s only as happy as her unhappiest child. But what happens when mothers experience intense unhappiness and/or extreme worries themselves?
For many women, anxiety may begin before, during, or after pregnancy. There are so many “what ifs” when it comes to growing a miracle human inside of your womb. Nobody can really tell you how to prepare for the physical, emotional, and chemical changes ahead. Each mother is different from the next and no two pregnancies are alike.
It is very normal for pregnant and new moms to ask questions like, “What if something bad happens to me or the baby? What if I do something wrong? What if I’m not going to be a good mother? Once the baby is born healthy and safely, everything will be fine, right?” These worries may be greater in women who have experienced infertility or miscarriage in the past. Trusting the natural process of pregnancy goes out the window with previous stressors and strain with getting and staying pregnant.
Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety
After overcoming the initial physical and emotional exhaustion that comes with having a baby, some mothers are left feeling, well, “off.” Clearly, we are never our old selves – that ship has sailed. Yet at some point, we find a new rhythm and a new normal with caretaking and routines.
If you are a new mother experiencing severe disruptions in your sleeping and eating habits (so, clearly all new moms are sleep deprived, but if you aren’t or can’t sleep for even a few hours at a time due to your worries, have increased rapid heart rate or panic attacks, dread or a sense of danger, or excessive, uncontrollable worry about your baby, you might be suffering from Postpartum Anxiety Disorder (PPA). The inability to put a label on certain symptoms often exacerbates the frustration that comes with trying to control the uneasiness.
Since postpartum depression is talked about more often, many women may not realize they are suffering from PPA. It is completely normal and even instinctive for new moms to worry about their babies; however, just like other forms of anxiety, there is a point where the worrying becomes irrational and too much to handle.
But, how do we know what is normal and what isn't?
Medical providers and Psychologists look at a few factors with the symptoms that are reported: 1) are the worries severe and occur more often than not, 2) are the symptoms causing impairment in daily life, and 3) is there any difficulty connecting/bonding with the baby.
Postpartum anxiety can arise from a number of different factors including hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, full-time care of an infant, and the societal expectation that new mothers should be happier than ever before. Some women are more likely to develop PPA than others, specifically those with a personal or family history of anxiety disorders (specifically OCD), depression, and eating disorders. Another major risk factor is a previous miscarriage or stillbirth as the mother will undoubtedly worry about it happening again.
The good news is that PPA is highly treatable. In addition to certain anti-anxiety medications, cognitive behavioral therapy is an excellent way to relieve anxiety. CBT teaches you how your thoughts and feelings influence your behavior and how you can effectively make changes to improve your life.
Tips to help manage PPA
As your child grows, your worries will likely change along with them, so here are some important tips to cope with your worries and embrace the joys of motherhood:
Support
New moms and new families need support. Whether family, friends, a newborn mamma group, ECFE, etc. You are not alone!
Self-Care
Yes, yes we know, there is no time for this! But, self-care time can be anything that you need at that time. Maybe it’s a babysitter or friend to watch the little one so you can take a bath, get your hair done at a salon, or even just sleep!
Ask for Help
It is important to realize that we are only human too and can’t accomplish everything. Talk to your spouse/partner, phone a friend or hire someone to clean the bathroom if you are financially able!
Talk to your doctor or find a psychologist trained in PPA
When your doctor asks about you and if you have any symptoms that feel uncontrollable, TELL THEM! There is no shame or guilt in communicating what is wonderful AND what feels off. They can help with medication, a referral to therapy, or other alternative options that may benefit.
At Synergy eTherapy, many of our psychologists are trained in Maternal Mental Health, which is a specific specialty in helping moms and families cope with the stressors and strains that new children bring to our lives. You can receive counseling from the comfort of your home while the baby/children nap, early morning while they are at daycare or school, or even while you are on the go! With nighttime and weekend options, we will work around your life. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Dr. Lisa Lovelace, PsyD, LP
Dr. Lisa Lovelace and Dr. Nicole Smith with Synergy eTherapy sat down with Owner and Founder of How 2 Mom, Stephanie Sinclair to discuss Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression.
Did you know that Synergy eTherapy is one of How 2 Mom's Recommended Resources?
Get in Touch with Synergy
Did you know that Placenta Encapsulation can help decrease postpartum depression and anxiety levels?
