What Is Postpartum Anxiety? Symptoms, Treatment, and Finding Relief
If you're a new mom and feeling more anxious than you expected, you’re definitely not alone. While we often hear about postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety can also be a big part of the new motherhood experience. It can feel overwhelming, and sometimes, the fear and worry might seem like they’re taking over. Let's take a deep dive into what postpartum anxiety really is, why it happens, and—most importantly—what you can do to find relief.
What Is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a form of anxiety that happens after you’ve had a baby. It goes beyond the regular stress or worry that new parents often feel - it’s persistent, excessive, and can really start to interfere with your daily life. The worry tends to focus on your baby’s health and safety, but can also creep into other areas of life as well.
For example, it’s normal to be concerned about whether your baby is eating enough or sleeping well, but with postpartum anxiety, these thoughts can become all-consuming. You might feel like you can’t turn your brain off, no matter how hard you try. Even when things are going well, your mind might constantly jump to worst-case scenarios.
And here's the thing - this can happen to anyone who gives birth. While postpartum depression often gets the spotlight, postpartum anxiety is also very real and deserves attention.
Why Does Postpartum Anxiety Happen?
So why do some people develop postpartum anxiety? It’s usually a combination of factors. After giving birth, your body goes through some pretty intense hormonal changes. Levels of estrogen and progesterone drop dramatically, and these hormonal shifts can affect your mood. In addition, if you have a history of anxiety, such as generalized or social anxiety, you may be more likely to develop postpartum anxiety.
On top of that, there’s the emotional and physical toll of taking care of a newborn. You're sleep-deprived, juggling new responsibilities, and adjusting to a big life change. The weight of this can feel heavy, and if you’ve struggled with anxiety before, you’re more vulnerable to facing postpartum anxiety.
New motherhood is also full of unknowns. You want to do everything perfectly, and with that comes an intense sense of responsibility. But the truth is, none of us know exactly what we’re doing. That uncertainty, combined with the deep love you have for your baby, can naturally fuel anxiety and postpartum worry.
What Does Postpartum Anxiety Look Like?
At first glance, postpartum anxiety can be hard to distinguish from the everyday stress of motherhood. But there’s a big difference between occasional worries and anxiety that starts to take over your life. Here are some common symptoms:
Constant worrying about your baby’s safety, health, or well-being
Trouble sleeping, even when your baby is sleeping
Feeling tense, on edge, or unable to relax
Racing thoughts about worst-case scenarios
Physical symptoms like a racing heart, nausea, or feeling shaky
Avoiding certain activities out of fear (e.g., avoiding going outside with your baby)
Doubting your ability to care for your baby or feeling disconnected from them
Panic attacks (intense feelings of fear or discomfort)
The key here is that these feelings are more intense and frequent than what you’d expect in normal new-parent worries. If this sounds familiar, it’s worth paying attention to.
How Long Does Postpartum Anxiety Last?
There’s no set timeline for how long postpartum anxiety lasts. For some, it can start soon after giving birth, while for others, it might show up weeks or months later. It can last a few weeks or months, and for some parents, it can continue for much longer if left untreated.
Things to Remember When Dealing with Postpartum Anxiety
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Wow, this sounds like me,” I want you to pause and give yourself some grace. Postpartum anxiety is not a reflection of your value as a mother. Here are a few important things to keep in mind as you work through it:
1. Postpartum Anxiety Doesn’t Define You
Let’s get this straight: experiencing **postpartum anxiety** does *not* make you a bad mom. It’s just something that’s happening right now. The fact that you’re worried about your baby and trying your best shows how much you care. The anxiety doesn’t define you, and it certainly doesn’t say anything about the love you have for your child.
2. It’s More Common Than You Think
You might feel like you’re the only one dealing with this, but trust me, you’re not. Postpartum anxiety is more common than many people realize, affecting 11-21% of mothers. A lot of moms go through it, but it’s not talked about as much as it should be. Keep in mind that other people have been where you are and have come out on the other side.
3. Help Is Out There, and Relief Is Possible
The good news is that there are treatments for postpartum anxiety that can help you feel better. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially effective in helping you manage anxiety. It teaches you how to change unhelpful thought patterns and gives you practical tools to cope.
Medication: In some cases, your doctor may suggest medication, such as antidepressants, to help balance your mood and manage anxiety.
Self-care: This one can be hard when you’re a new mom, but finding even small ways to take care of yourself - whether that’s a walk, a nap, or asking for help - can make a big difference.
Support groups: Connecting with other moms who are going through similar experiences can provide comfort, validation, and ease the loneliness and isolation that come with dealing with postpartum anxiety. Visit Postpartum Support International’s website for more information about support groups near you.
Moving Forward with Hope
Dealing with postpartum anxiety can feel overwhelming and uncomfortable, but remember that it’s temporary, and you will feel better. The first step is recognizing what’s going on and reaching out for support, whether that’s talking to a doctor, therapist, or even a close friend.
Above all, be kind to yourself. Motherhood is hard enough without adding the weight of self-judgment. When those anxious thoughts creep in, take a deep breath, remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can, and reach out for help when you need it.
When your mind starts to race and the worry feels too big, remember this: you are not alone. There is relief, support, and a path to feeling better. You deserve to feel like yourself again, and with the right help, you will. With patience and care, you can overcome postpartum anxiety and move forward into motherhood with more peace and confidence.
If you’re seeking support for postpartum anxiety, book a Therapy Consultation Call with me as I’d love to help you feel more yourself again and live the life you deserve.
-Dr. Bridget Jones, PsyD
