Having a baby is one of the happiest events in life, but it can also be one of the most upsetting and difficult. The combination of sleepless nights, disrupted routines, and the duties of taking care of an infant baby may drain any parent of energy. What if the worry doesn’t go away, if it gets harder to handle, or a worry starts to interfere with living? To what postpartum anxiety feels like will help new parents identify when it is being “just tired” and more.

Although postpartum depression gets a lot of the publicity, postpartum anxiety is common and it’s okay to talk about it. The distinction between routine adjustment and signs of anxiety can help you seek for assistance sooner and get you back on track quickly.

Postpartum Anxiety Symptoms: Beyond the “Worried New Mom” Feeling

Almost all new moms and dads experience some anxious moments. That’s a part of their responsibilities. However, symptoms of postpartum anxiety are not a normal part of becoming a parent. It can look like:

• Racing thoughts that won’t slow down, especially at night
• A constant sense of dread, even when nothing is actually wrong
• Checking on the baby repeatedly, sometimes dozens of times a night
• A tight chest, racing heart, or stomach that stays in knots
• Feeling like you have to be in control of everything or something bad will happen
• Irritability or a short fuse that feels unlike you
• Difficulty relaxing even when someone else is watching the baby

This is what postpartum anxiety really looks like: It doesn’t always have to be sad, but it’s almost always a body and mind humming with worry. Many women report feeling “wired but exhausted”, unable to relax, even when they have the opportunity to rest.

Postpartum Worry vs. Postpartum Anxiety: Where’s the Line?

Worry is situational. When there is a legitimate concern, such as a temperature, a missed meal or an appointment with the doctor, it increases; when the concern is gone, it decreases. Postpartum anxiety cannot be put to rest. It presents itself even when there isn’t really anything wrong, holding onto new concerns whenever the old ones dissipate. It’s worth paying attention to if you feel the need to constantly keep looking for the next thing to fear.

Postpartum Intrusive Thoughts

Some women also have intrusive thoughts after giving birth: unexpected and intrusive thoughts of something going wrong with the baby. These thoughts might be real terror, and many mothers feel too embarrassed to talk about them. It is vital to note that thoughts on their own are a common symptom of anxiety and do not mean that a mother would ever go through with them. One of the quickest methods to get rid of their power is to call them out loud to a provider.

Postpartum Anxiety vs. Postpartum Depression

Although these two conditions are often discussed in correlation, they don’t necessarily appear the same. Postpartum depression is more likely to have feelings of sadness, loss of interest or numbness in things that used to be important. Postpartum anxiety is hyperactive: unable to relax, unable to still the mind, unable to “turn off” the nervous system. That’s why women’s mental health should be assessed for symptoms of both and not given a quick diagnosis. Another one of the underdiagnosed perinatal conditions is anxiety after having a baby, in part because mothers are so hailed for being “on top of things” they may be too anxious to quit.

Why Postpartum Anxiety Gets Missed

Following the birth of a baby, there’s one question that tends to dominate those surrounding emotional wellness, “Are you sad?” If the answer is no, then the feeling of anxiety may pass unnoticed. Additionally, new mothers may be under lots of pressure, sleep-deprived, and accustomed to sacrificing their own well-being, making it easy to dismiss anxious symptoms as “just part of having a baby.” The reality is that too much anxiety following the birth of your baby is usual, curable, and not something you have to handle alone.

Postpartum Anxiety Treatment: What Helps

Postpartum anxiety help is typically most effective when tackled from multiple perspectives.

Medication Management

Medications can also be useful to slow down an overactive nervous system when suitable, to stop the body being permanently on high alert. Each plan is personalized for the individual, taking into account pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Light Talk Therapy

Talk therapy is a space for the new mom to express her feelings about becoming a mother, the loss of sleep, the shift in identity and her worries and fears without judgment and without “performing fine.”

A Provider Who Actually Listens

Postpartum anxiety treatment works best with a provider who takes time to listen, rather than rushing through a 10-minute check-in.

Supporting postpartum and perinatal health is not an add-on at Resilience Mental Health & Wellness, it’s a core focus area. One of our providers is Meghan Bastian, PA-C, a mother of five, who not only has clinical experience but also personal experience of what postpartum anxiety and depression are like from on the inside. All treatment plans are tailored to the person, not the checklist.

Getting Postpartum Counseling in Michigan Without Adding to Your Plate

It’s hard for a new mama to get time in for yet another appointment. Which is why we have established our practice around telehealth. Meetings can take place over the telephone, tablet or computer, and with flexible meeting times (such as early mornings, evenings and weekends) arranged so that you don’t need to arrange childcare or travel for postpartum therapy or medication evaluation. You can speak to a provider from your living room, on your nap window or anywhere you are.

For those experiencing that anxious, wired, can’t turn it off feeling, it does not have to be that way. Postpartum anxiety is a very real, common, and treatable condition, and fear of asking for help is not a fault on your part as a mother. It’s a sign you’re doing something for yourself as well.

Ready to talk to someone who understands? Schedule an appointment with Resilience Mental Health & Wellness, or call (231) 239-6101 to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if it’s postpartum anxiety or just normal new-mom worry?

Normal worry abates as the concern subsides. Postpartum anxiety is likely to persist even if there is nothing wrong.

How long does postpartum anxiety last if untreated?

Without treatment it can last far longer than just a few months. Most people improve within a few weeks once they are treated.

Can I get treated for postpartum anxiety while breastfeeding?

Yes. There are many medicines that can be safely taken while breastfeeding; a provider can review your specific options.

Is postpartum anxiety the same as postpartum depression?

No, but they can occur simultaneously. Anxiety is characterized by racing thoughts and restlessness, while depression is characterized by numbness and a low mood.

When should I see someone about postpartum anxiety?

If there is interference with sleep, bonding or functioning daily for more than two weeks, it is time to speak to a provider.