What is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a type of anxiety where mothers feel excessively worried during or after pregnancy. It can happen anytime in the postpartum period from a few weeks after they gave birth to up to a year after. Postpartum women who experience anxiety might have different physical symptoms including feeling agitated, restless, and irritable.
They may experience panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorders as well as obsessive thoughts about their baby’s safety and well-being. Similar to postpartum depression, or the “baby blues” – this condition is much more common in women who have a history of anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Additionally, fathers or non-pregnant partners can also suffer from postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.
The reasons for postpartum anxiety are unclear, but there are a number of elements that put new moms at a higher risk of experiencing it, including concerns about how they will be able to handle being a mother. New parents (particularly first-time ones) may experience postpartum anxiety, which can range from mild inconvenience to the most serious cases of panic attacks and delusions.
It’s critical to talk about what you’re going through with family members, friends, or your therapist. You could also take steps to care for yourself by eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
How Does it Feel to Have Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a form of anxiety that manifests in new mothers. One of the most common symptoms is the feeling of overwhelming fear and worry, which may cause problems with sleeping or eating. Feeling like you are not good enough for your child or constant anxiety about the child’s safety are other symptoms.
It can sometimes feel isolating because it can be very hard to talk to others about. Some people don’t even recognize the symptoms of postpartum anxiety until months after their baby is born.
If you are suffering from postpartum anxiety, know that you’re not alone. There are many things that can be done to help overcome the feelings of isolation and worry – like counseling with a licensed provider at HWP who specializes in maternal mental health.
Receive individualized treatment for your needs, including overcoming feelings of isolation, intrusive thoughts, depression, and anxiety by talking about it with a licensed counselor specializing in maternal mental health.
Find Quality Postpartum Anxiety Counseling in Alpharetta, GA
There are many different treatment options available for people who suffer from postpartum anxiety or depression including counseling sessions with licensed providers at HWP specializing in maternal mental health. Reach out to set up a complimentary phone interview to help you decide if HWP is the right practice for your needs.
How Can You Cope with Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum Anxiety can be difficult to live with. It can make it hard to do your daily tasks and even leave your home. Postpartum anxiety is not uncommon, but it can feel like there is no one or nothing that understands because everyone has different experiences. It really helps to talk about what you are experiencing because this will lift the weight off of you.
Reach out to family, friends, doctors or even other mothers who have had similar experiences, don’t be afraid that you are the only one who feels this way. This will help you become more confident in yourself and your abilities which will greatly decrease the effects of postpartum anxiety. There is always someone out there to talk to, you just have to reach out.
Here are some things to try if you’re suffering from postpartum worry.
- Connect with other mothers who understand
- Receive personalized care from a licensed provider
- Develop coping skills like meditation and deep breathing exercises
Postpartum anxiety is not uncommon, but it can feel like there is no one or nothing that understands. It’s so important to talk about what you are experiencing because this will lift the weight off of you and help reduce your postpartum worry. Reach out to family, friends, doctors, or even other mothers who have had similar experiences- don’t be afraid that you are the only one who feels this way!
There’s always someone out there ready to listen and offer support. Whether it’s a licensed provider from HWP with maternal mental health expertise or another mother suffering through something similar, know that you’re never alone in your struggles.
Counseling with a licensed maternal mental health care provider from HWP can help you through this difficult time. Our providers specialize in maternal mental health and can provide the individualized treatment you need.
Counseling with HWP can help you
- Overcome feelings of isolation
- Live the life you want for yourself and your family
- Feel like a better mom because you’re taking care of yourself too
