How to know if you are suffering from postpartum anxiety

Postpartum anxiety is a condition that does not get enough attention in the motherhood community, but it is real. No feeling can ever replace the joy of a mother seeing her baby after 40 weeks of pregnancy. It is usually a fond memory that never gets old, even when our babies become adults.

Unfortunately, the joy is short-lived for some mothers after the first few weeks. They become overwhelmed with worries, cry for no apparent reason, and experience continuous anxiety. This often leads to a feeling of not wanting to bond with your newborn.

This is quite normal if it only happens for a few days: most mothers experience baby blues. It is estimated that 4 in 5 new mothers experience baby blues, which go away after two to three days. In extreme cases, it lasts around two weeks. However, if it extends beyond this period, then it is either postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression.

Postpartum anxiety v/s Postpartum depression

The first way to note if you are experiencing postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression and not the baby blues is if you start feeling depressed or overly anxious weeks after giving birth. Baby blues usually occur within the first few days after birth. Postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression, on the other hand, often don’t surface until several weeks after delivery.

Although the symptoms of postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression overlap, they are different and require dedicated treatment.

It is estimated that one in five women suffers postpartum anxiety. New mothers suffering from postpartum anxiety may experience persistent and excessive worries over their baby’s health and safety. This may make it impossible for them to sleep.

Mothers experiencing postpartum depression might exhibit personalities or behaviour inconsistent with their typical character. This includes intrusive thoughts and hopelessness. They are also likely to think about harming their baby. Mothers experiencing postpartum depression commonly experience symptoms of anxiety. Meanwhile, not all mothers suffering from anxiety are depressed.

Causes of postpartum anxiety

Postpartum anxiety can be caused by high levels of stress during pregnancy and post-pregnancy. This may be triggered by finances, the health of the baby, or difficulty settling into the role of a mother.

Mothers with little or no support from their partners are more likely to develop the condition.

Women who have experienced miscarriage, preterm birth, or induced abortion are also at risk of postpartum anxiety. Hormonal changes can happen during weaning if the mother has stopped breastfeeding, and this could also result in anxiety. 

How to treat postpartum anxiety

The first step to treating postpartum anxiety is getting diagnosed. Experts have noted that many women suffer from the condition but are undiagnosed and hence not documented.

Medication

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most used medications for treating postpartum anxiety. These drugs can help to reduce the symptoms associated with the condition.

Other medications used include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs).

Ketamine treatment for anxiety is also gaining more attention as it has been discovered it could help with treatment-resistant anxiety.

It is, however, important to consult your doctor before using any of these medications to assess the effect on your baby if you are still breastfeeding. 

Psychotherapy

A therapist can help new mothers suffering from postpartum anxiety by walking them through their emotions and finding a way to cope.

This is mainly done using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a technique that can be used to identify a patient’s emotions and change thought patterns.

Support groups

New mothers need all the help they can get. Getting help from family and friends, such as handling chores, babysitting, and financial support, can help reduce stress. This will invariably reduce postpartum anxiety.

For mothers with no immediate family around to help them, there are support groups they can join to share their stories and socialize. One can even find these these groups online.

Healthy diet and daily exercise

Eat a good and healthy diet. Your body will need enough nutrients to give your baby the best breast milk.

Exercise daily. This does not have to be rigorous. It can be as simple as taking a walk daily or practicing yoga for relaxation.

Self-care

Cuddle your baby as much as possible. This triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that can lower anxiety levels.

Also, avoid depriving yourself of sleep. Ask your partner for help if you need someone to watch over the baby.

If you are diagnosed with postpartum anxiety, do not be too hard on yourself and remember you are not alone. It is normal and treatable and you will see the brighter side soon.