The Truth About Postpartum Anxiety...

As a PPA survivor and a therapist who specializes in working with PPA, I am passionate about increasing awareness around this diagnosis so that moms don’t have to suffer in silence. In my own experience, even as a therapist, I didn’t realize that what I was experiencing after the birth of my first daughter was PPA. I simply thought it was either normal, or that there was something wrong with me, and I was not ready to admit that due to so much guilt and shame. The truth is that there are so many moms out there that are struggling and may not even know that what they are feeling has a name and a treatment!

First, some facts about PPA. Postpartum anxiety is a Perinatal Mood or Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) that can accompany Postpartum depression (PPD) or can be present on its own. PSI (postpartum support international reports that approximately 6% of pregnant women and 10% of postpartum women will experience postpartum anxiety. PPA can have onset during pregnancy, after the birth of your baby, and any time in to the first year or beyond if left untreated.

 When it comes to PPA there are more well-known symptoms and then ones that are less well-known. Some of the well-known symptoms include constant worry and overthinking, feeling that something bad is going to happen, and racing thoughts. Then there are the sneakier or less talked about symptoms. These symptoms can be just as distressing for new moms and can significantly impact your quality of life and ability to care for your new baby. So, let’s dive in to these a bit more.

• One of the less commonly known symptoms of postpartum anxiety is intrusive thoughts. These are persistent, distressing/scary/disturbing thoughts or images that pop into your mind without warning, such as imagining harming your baby or something bad happening to them. These thoughts can be incredibly scary and graphic and can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. It's important to note that having these thoughts does not mean that you want to act on them, and in fact these thoughts are very distressing and disruptive to your life. It’s also important to note that most new parents (statistics say up to 90%) experience intrusive thoughts, however with PPA you experience these thoughts often and they have a significant impact on your day to day life.
• Another sneaky symptom of PPA is physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, stomach upset, and dizziness. These symptoms can be very disruptive and can also be frightening. They can even mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. You may worry that something is physically wrong with you, leading to increased anxiety and panic.
• Sleep disturbances are also a less commonly known symptom of postpartum anxiety. You may experience difficulty falling or staying asleep, even when your baby is sleeping. This can lead to exhaustion and increased anxiety, as lack of sleep can make it more difficult to manage emotions and cope with stress.
• Social anxiety is another symptom that may be less commonly known. You may feel uncomfortable or anxious in social situations, even with close friends and family. You may worry about being judged or criticized for your parenting choices, or may feel overwhelmed by the attention and expectations placed on you as a new mother.
• Irritability, anger or rage can also often be signs of underlying anxiety. Feeling on edge, overwhelmed, overstimulated, or snapping at your baby or partner can be common experiences of PPA. Moms will often share with me that they don’t feel like themselves or that this anger feels very uncharacteristic for them.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please know that you are not alone and that there is help available. Postpartum anxiety is a treatable condition, and with the right support, you can learn to manage your symptoms, feel more at ease, and enjoy your new role as a mom!

 As a therapist, I encourage moms to talk openly with a trusted healthcare provider or a mental health professional about their symptoms. Treatment options for postpartum anxiety may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. In addition, self-care strategies such as exercise, mindfulness, and social support can also be helpful in managing symptoms of PPA. Both Sasha and I offer therapy and supportive coaching to new moms. To see if either of these might be a good fit for you, you can schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation with one of us here Schedule My Free Call

 Remember, taking care of you is taking care of your baby! If you are experiencing postpartum anxiety, know that you are not alone, we are with you, and you deserve support mama.

With love, 

Alex