Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum depression has gained more attention in recent years, and rightfully so. Postpartum depression is widespread (about 1 in 5 birthing parents) and can have terrible consequences for individuals and families when left untreated. What is talked about less, is postpartum anxiety!

Postpartum anxiety occurs about as often as postpartum depression and also causes intense distress in those who experience it. However, worrying about your baby is seen as natural (and it can be), so it often goes overlooked and undiagnosed which leaves parents struggling alone. 

Another tricky piece is that postpartum depression and anxiety often overlap making them difficult to distinguish.

Postpartum Anxiety Might Look Like…

• Feeling tense, irritated much of the time.
• Feeling preoccupied with worry related to the wellbeing of baby and/or self and others.
• Feeling a sense of impending doom.
• Feeling out of control.
• Having scary and/or intrusive thoughts about yourself or baby.
• Social anxiety or fear of going out with the baby.
• Changes in appetite and eating.
• Nausea.
• Shakiness.
• Restlessness.
• Racing heart.
• Blurry vision.
• Insomnia and/or fatigue.
• Shortness of breath.

Generally speaking…

• Feeling excessive, uncontrollable worry more often than not.

You can see how this is challenging to assess for since so many of the symptoms overlap with being a new parent and even more so with healing postpartum! 

 

Where does postpartum anxiety come from?

Some people are shocked to find themselves with anxiety after having a baby and had no previous experience with these kinds of symptoms before becoming pregnant or giving birth. It can seemingly come out of nowhere. Others have had anxiety earlier in their lives and might be more familiar with its presence, but more surprised by the shift in intensity. It’s impossible to know why some people have postpartum anxiety and others do not, but there are some risk factors to be aware of…

• Personal or family history of anxiety, depression, or postpartum mood disorders.
• History of thyroid dysfunction.
• Symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy that do not quite reach the threshold for a diagnosis.
• Experiencing complications in pregnancy and/or a traumatic birth.
• Spending time in NICU. 

 

Postpartum Anxiety is Treatable

Seeking therapy with a counsellor/therapist who is specifically trained to assess for and treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders is paramount to receiving the best care. 

A perinatal counsellor/therapist can support you along your journey by assessing your symptoms, creating a treatment plan, and helping you connect with other resources that will be important in your journey.

Often, some combination of counselling/therapy and/or medication is recommended. Some individuals prefer medication; others prefer to avoid medication and focus on healing in a supportive space with a counsellor. The choice is always yours and you can discuss your feelings about these options with a trained counsellor. Counsellors cannot provide medication or give advice on which medications you should take, however, they can help you connect with other professionals who can and support you while you make the choice that’s right for you.

So how do you know when to seek help? 

If you recognize the experiences listed above, are feeling distressed or like something is not right, reach out. You can get more information and support to help you feel better. 

What can I do today to feel a little better?

If you are waiting for an appointment or simply looking for something to give you a boost, try an activity like the one described below!

First of all, did you know that research shows a parent is a “good” parent when they respond to their babies favourably about half of the time (Woodhouse, et al., 2020)? Not 100% of the time. Not even 75% of the time. When parents respond to their baby’s needs, they are creating a safe bond with their baby that helps baby thrive. The rest of the time, parents may be missing the mark and that’s okay! Noticing when you missed something and then “repairing” with baby is most important. That just means showing up for them the next time you can and being that person that they can count on to meet their physical and emotional needs.

The point is most parents are already giving their baby exactly what they need to not only survive but to thrive.

Knowing this information, see if one of these statements feels right for you…

I am a good enough (mom/mother/parent) already. 

Or

 More often than not, I am the (mom/mother/parent) I want to be for my baby. 

Or

[Insert your own positive statement here].

Pick the statement that feels right for you, take a comfortable breath, and say those words to yourself. Or go one step further and write it out somewhere that you will regularly see it.

 

Note to Reader:

You reading this post already tells me you care a lot about being a good parent. Taking care of yourself is the best way to make sure you can keep showing up for your baby.