Having some anxiety after childbirth is normal. It’s a sign of the love you have for your newborn. But when the worry interferes with your daily routine and puts you on edge, it becomes dangerous and unhealthy.
What is postpartum anxiety? It’s the excessive worrying that follows childbirth. People who suffer from postpartum anxiety may experience constant nervousness or panic attacks. In severe cases, you might feel overwhelming sensations of fear and worry.
On the other hand, postpartum depression is a strong feeling of sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that persists for an extended period after giving birth. Due to these emotions, you may struggle to care for yourself and your child. PPD may manifest at any point following childbirth. Usually, it begins one to three weeks after giving birth.
This article will shed more light on new mother anxiety symptoms, causes, and management. Keep reading.
Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety
Here are some common symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Physical Symptoms
Sweating, tense muscles, nausea, dizziness, and heart palpitations.
Restlessness
You are unable to relax, feel tense, and are irritable. In some cases, you might experience increased heart palpitations and muscle tension.
Excessive Worry
Persistent worries, even in the absence of an emergency, regarding the health and welfare of the infant is a sign of PPD. These include constant thoughts of bad scenarios that are unlikely to happen.
Sleep Disturbances
Difficulty falling or remaining asleep, especially when the infant is sleeping, is also a clear sign of PPD.
Change of Behavior
These include avoiding specific activities, people, or locations, being unduly careful in non-dangerous situations, and being controlling.
Causes of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
These are some of the leading causes of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Hormonal Changes
After childbirth, there is a notable decrease in the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can contribute to mood fluctuations and symptoms of depression. Variations in thyroid hormone levels might also impact your mood, which contributes to PPD.
Nursing Issues
Difficulties with nursing, such as discomfort, problems getting enough milk, or trouble getting the infant to latch on, can cause emotions of helplessness and frustration.
Physical Recuperation and Sleep Deprivation
The physical side effects of childbirth, such as pain, discomfort, and exhaustion, can affect a mother’s mental health.
Also, having a newborn can cause sleep disturbances, which can make it harder to sleep and increase anxiety and depressive symptoms.
History of Depression or Anxiety
Women who have had anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues before are more likely to develop postpartum depression.
Stressful Birth Experience
A distressing or traumatic birth can contribute to postpartum depression by causing stress to the mother.
Unrealistic Expectations
The demands of being a perfect parent and the additional duties that come with becoming a mother can cause anxiety. This mostly happens when the expectations don’t match reality.
Lack of Emotional Support
Insufficient support from family, friends, and spouses leads to a feeling of helplessness and isolation, which can contribute to PPD. Relationship challenges can also contribute to emotional distress.
Financial Issues
Difficulties with finances, employment, or housing can lead to PPD.
Family History
People who have had depressed family members tend to experience depression more than others.
Change in Hormone Levels
Some hormones help regulate moods and emotions. When you’re pregnant, your body produces more estrogen and progesterone, but these hormones return to normal within the first 24 hours of giving birth. A sudden drop in hormone levels can trigger PPD.
Cognitive Behavior
Negative thought patterns can trigger PPD. For instance, having doubts about whether you’ll be a good mother and seeking perfection in your motherhood skills is a sure way of welcoming PPD.
Complications with the Baby
Health complications with the baby, like illness or prematurity, can cause stress and emotional strain.
Unplanned Pregnancy
Women who get unplanned conceptions are more susceptible to postpartum depression.
Preventing Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Though not entirely, you can prevent postpartum depression by doing the following.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT assists you in recognizing and addressing circumstances and issues in your private life, such as partnerships and family relationships, circumstances at work or in your community, a health issue, or the loss of a loved one. Typical forms of IPT involve role-playing with a therapist, responding to open-ended questions, and thoroughly examining your decision-making and interpersonal communication techniques.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Therapists and psychologists utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you recognize your feelings and alter your thought habits. Using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to unlearn negative thoughts and behaviors, you can adopt better thought patterns and habits. CBT usually takes place over a series of one-on-one meetings.
Joining Support Groups
Postpartum depression can be unpleasant and lonely. Support groups help to reduce loneliness and offer emotional support. A strong support system can largely mitigate the impact of PPD.
Self-care
Exercising regularly, proper nutrition, and getting enough sleep can help keep PPD at bay.
Awareness
Raising awareness of PPD among moms and their families can aid in its early detection and treatment.
Treating Postpartum Depression
You can treat postpartum depression with the following medications.
Antidepressants
These are medications that treat most types of depression. Some have adverse effects, such as weight gain or dry mouth. Additionally, some are unsafe to take when nursing. Find out more about these medications from your healthcare practitioner to determine which is best for you.
Estrogen
This hormone is crucial for both pregnancy and your menstrual cycle. The level of estrogen in your body rapidly decreases throughout childbirth. Your doctor can advise you to apply an estrogen patch to your skin to replenish the lost estrogen to treat PPD. Consult your healthcare provider if you’re breastfeeding to determine if it’s safe.
Coping Mechanisms for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
If you discover that you have PPD and anxiety, these coping mechanisms can help you feel better.
Regular breaks: Taking regular pauses to recover and refuel
is crucial.
Delegation: You can lighten the load by requesting household chores and childcare assistance.
Education: Acquiring knowledge about postpartum depression and anxiety can aid in identifying symptoms and obtaining prompt assistance.
Final Thoughts
Postpartum depression and anxiety stem from a mix of several variables, including psychological, biological, and social factors. It’s a prevalent condition that may not always be avoidable. However, being aware of the symptoms of postpartum depression can help you treat it earlier. Remember, postpartum depression and anxiety are treatable.
