Postpartum Anxiety and How to Deal With It
Postpartum anxiety is a common occurrence that affects millions of women and even men across the globe. Having a child can come with incredible highs, but also terrible lows. Alongside the normal challenges new parents face, postpartum anxiety can create new obstacles that make parenting feel exhausting and draining. However, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible so you can enjoy time with your new child without feelings of anxiety or worry. Down below, we will share some tips on how to identify postpartum anxiety, symptoms of postpartum anxiety, and how exactly you can deal with it.
Identifying Postpartum Anxiety
● Staying awake throughout the night and watching over your child in fear of them stopping breathing
● Not wanting to have your child given to any other person for even a few minutes (can include significant other)
● Excessive worrying that your child will be in danger
● Mixed feelings about being a new parent
● Mood swings from incredibly happy to incredibly sad
Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety
● Disrupted sleep
● Heart palpitations
● Loss of appetite
● Shortness of breath
● Racing thoughts
● Obsessing and creating fears
● Feeling anxious and fearful
● Checking things multiple times
● Wary of loved ones with your child
● Trying to control any situation pertaining your child
How to Deal with Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum anxiety can seem harmless in the beginning, but it can slowly cause debilitating behaviour over time. It should not be overlooked, as it can truly impact emotional and physical well being. To help prevent or deal with postpartum anxiety, self care and therapy are highly recommended. The self care methods as mentioned below can help those dealing with postpartum anxiety to heal their mental health and reduce stress:
● Take things one step/day at a time
● Be as active as possible
● Rest when your child rests
● Express your feelings and thoughts to your partner
● Write down any thoughts in a journal or diary
● Take some alone time
● Spend quality time with your significant other
● Limit or do not allow visitors to your home until you feel better
With the addition of a new family member it is clear that your family dynamic and life overall will change. It will take time to adjust and adapt to the changes, however by talking to your significant other and/or loved ones you trust about any concerns, it can help make the journey just a little bit easier. Feeling concerned, worried, and scared for yourself and your new child is completely normal, however if you start to feel that your mental health is suffering, please reach out to a trusted loved one or therapist. At Toronto Therapy Practice we have many year of experience with treating postpartum mental health challenges and we can help. Click here to book with one of our therapists right away.
