Stress After Having a Baby: Is it Actually Postpartum Anxiety?
Like many things linked to childbirth, women’s emotions during and after pregnancy can be tough to predict.
While society has gradually become better at helping new mothers identify postpartum feelings of depression, sadness and withdrawal, other symptoms haven’t been as widely explored.
I’m speaking today about postpartum anxiety (PPA). No matter if you’re a first-time mom or you have several children, this experience may catch you by surprise after giving birth. Keep reading to find answers to your questions about PPA and ways to get the support you need.
What Is Postpartum Anxiety?
Together with its more well-known counterpart, postpartum depression (PPD), postpartum anxiety affects approximately 23% of Canadian mothers.
It’s characterized by excessive nervousness, constant worry and an inability to relax after childbirth. These symptoms of PPA impact a mother’s ability to care for herself and her newborn child. Some examples could include:
Avoiding leaving the house with your baby out of fear they’ll get sick or hurt
The inability to sleep due to the fear of leaving your baby unattended.
Unfortunately, these signs often go undiagnosed by medical professionals. They may also get lumped in with the “new mom jitters” so many women experience in the frenzied days and months following delivery.
Differences Between Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Since PPA and PPD are so commonly linked, it can be tricky to determine what you’re experiencing. You may not be sure if you’re dealing with one or both of these common postpartum issues. Let’s explore the signs to look out for with PPD and PPA to give you a better idea.
Signs of Postpartum Depression
Here are some common signs that you may be experiencing PPD.
Emotional highs and lows
Uncontrollable crying or teariness
Increased frustration or irritability
Poor concentration or memory
Exhaustion and fatigue
The key to understanding whether you may be experiencing PPD is the duration and severity of your symptoms. If your symptoms impact your daily functioning for more than two or three weeks, it’s worth seeking support.
Signs of Postpartum Anxiety
Now, here are some signs to watch out for when it comes to PPA.
Constant nervousness or stress
Racing thoughts and irrational worries
Intrusive thoughts or mental images
Obsessive thinking and behaviours
Difficulty concentrating
Exhaustion or fatigue
Hot flashes or sweating
Sleep issues (insomnia, restless sleep)
Shortness of breath or heart palpitations
Nausea, upset stomach or decreased appetite
Muscle tension, headaches or an inability to relax
As you can see, there are many overlapping symptoms of PPA and PPD, and the two often go hand in hand. However, understanding the different symptoms can help you discern and address the specific issues you’re experiencing.
What Are the Causes of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety?
There is no one “cause” of PPD or PPA. However, several factors can contribute to these common postpartum issues.
For example, hormonal changes after childbirth can play a role in the development of PPD and PPA. Additionally, lack of sleep, changes in diet and the stress of adjusting to motherhood can all contribute to these postpartum issues.
How to Prevent Postpartum Anxiety
There is no surefire way to prevent PPA. However, there are many things you can do to take care of your mental health during this time. Here are a few ideas for prioritizing your mental health during this major life transition.
Get plenty of rest
Maintain a balanced diet
Regularly exercise or move your body in a way that feels good to you
Seek social support from friends, family, your community or a support group
Work with a postpartum therapist before and after the birth of your baby, especially if you have a history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges.
Taking care of yourself is crucial, especially during a time full of so much mental and physical change. A little mental health maintenance can go a long way to support you during and after pregnancy.
How to Deal with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
A reasonable amount of worry is normal after having a baby, especially as a first-time parent. When those feelings of fear or panic start to impact your daily functioning, it may be worth exploring support options for your postpartum anxiety.
If you’re feeling overcome with anxiety after giving birth, speak to your pediatrician or family doctor about getting help. Ask them for a referral to a therapist with perinatal experience.
Postpartum counselling can help you identify your triggers and uncover the root causes of your worries and fears. It can also decrease the shame and guilt you’re experiencing and offer coping strategies to help you feel more at ease.
Get Postpartum Support in Toronto
Though PPA is less commonly discussed and diagnosed than postpartum depression, it’s a real condition affecting a significant percentage of new moms. Thankfully, it is also highly treatable and doesn’t have to define your experience of motherhood.
Adjusting to motherhood is hard, and you shouldn’t have to deal with these challenges alone. If you think you or someone you know would benefit from postpartum therapy, don’t hesitate to contact Midtown Toronto Therapy today. We can schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to answer your questions and ensure you find the support you deserve.
