A More Common Problem

Everyone knows about postpartum depression. It is a serious problem.  But people are not as aware of a possibly more common problem, postpartum anxiety.  A study out of Canada, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, shows that postpartum anxiety may be more prevalent than postpartum depression.

310 pregnant women were screened for anxiety, with follow-up interviews conducted around three months after they gave birth.  Nearly 16 percent of the mothers had anxiety and anxiety-related disorders during pregnancy, and 17 percent experienced anxiety postpartum.  On the other hand, 4 percent of pregnant women and nearly 5 percent of postpartum mothers experienced depression. 

This is not to take away from the seriousness or prevalence of postpartum depression, but it is to show that anxiety, which affects more than 40 million adults and children in the US, may also be a problem with pregnant and new mothers in numbers greater than previously realized.

Symptoms Of Postpartum Anxiety

The symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum anxiety are constant worry, the feeling that something bad is going to happen, racing thoughts, disturbances to sleep and appetite, inability to sit still, dizziness, hot flashes, and nausea.

Besides general anxiety, there is also postpartum panic disorder.  This causes recurring panic attacks in which the woman may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, claustrophobia, dizziness, heart palpitations, and numbness and tingling in the extremities.  

If you are pregnant or a new mother, and you are feeling any of these symptoms of postpartum anxiety, nothing is wrong with you and you’re not a bad mother.  This is a condition that many women have along with pregnancy and childbirth.  You are not alone.  And things will get better. Counseling can help you process and manage the emotions you are going through.  I urge you to read about anxiety treatment and then reach out to us for a free thirty-minute consultation.

Dr. Bernis Riley holds a Doctor of Psychology degree, is a Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor, and is certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy. She is the Clinical Director/Supervisor at SoulCare Counseling.