Recognizing Postpartum Anxiety
Insights from a postpartum therapist in Houston, Texas
From welcoming a brand new person into your family to sweet newborn cuddles, the early days of parenthood are filled with many sweet moments ripe for the picking. But new parenthood can also come with overwhelming emotions and a rollercoaster of stress, especially in the early months after giving birth. You are now in charge of caring for this brand new person; it’s no wonder that you worry about their milk intake, weight percentile, and mental stimulation. While many new moms experience a variety of emotions during postpartum, some find that the anxiety they feel goes beyond typical worries about their baby. If you’re a new mom who is struggling with constant worry, restlessness, or fear, it might be more than just the average “mom jitters” — you could be dealing with postpartum anxiety (PPA).
As a postpartum anxiety therapist in Houston, TX, I work with many new mothers who are navigating the emotional challenges of new parenthood. One thing I always tell my clients is that postpartum anxiety is more common than you might think, and it’s okay to seek help. In this post, I’ll share some insights on recognizing postpartum anxiety, what it looks like, and when it’s time to seek support.
What is postpartum anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a mental health condition that affects many new mothers after childbirth. While it’s normal for new parents to feel some anxiety about their baby’s health, their own recovery, or their ability to care for a newborn, postpartum anxiety takes this worry to a much higher level. It often becomes chronic and intense, making it difficult to focus on anything other than anxious thoughts. Unlike the typical worries that come with adjusting to life with a newborn, postpartum anxiety involves extreme fear and restlessness that interfere with day-to-day functioning.
In many ways, postpartum anxiety is a lot like general anxiety disorder, except it’s specifically related to the postpartum period. Symptoms can include intrusive, repetitive thoughts, physical signs of anxiety (like a racing heart or difficulty breathing), and a constant sense of dread or worry. It’s also important to note that postpartum anxiety can occur even if there are no obvious external triggers for your anxiety, making it feel like you're worried about everything all at once.
Although postpartum anxiety can happen to anyone, it’s especially common among new mothers who have experienced a traumatic birth or have a history of anxiety or depression. That said, even mothers who have no previous history of mental health struggles can still develop postpartum anxiety. The key is recognizing it early and getting the support you need.
common signs of postpartum anxiety
If you’re wondering whether you might be experiencing postpartum anxiety, here are some of the common signs and symptoms:
1. Constant Worry or Fear. One of the hallmarks of postpartum anxiety is excessive worry. This worry might focus on your baby’s health (e.g., fear that something will happen to them), your ability to be a good parent or even irrational concerns like something happening to your partner or family members. These fears often feel out of proportion to the situation, making it hard to shut off the anxious thoughts.
2. Physical Symptoms. Anxiety often manifests physically. You might experience a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or even a feeling of being on edge all the time. You might also have trouble relaxing or sleeping because your mind is constantly running. These physical symptoms can leave you feeling exhausted, both mentally and physically.
3. Intrusive Thoughts. Many new moms with postpartum anxiety report having intrusive, scary thoughts. These are distressing, unwanted thoughts that pop up in your mind, like imagining something bad happening to your baby or yourself. It’s important to note that these thoughts are not a reflection of what you actually want to happen. They're just a symptom of your anxiety, but they can be deeply distressing if you don't understand what's going on.
4. Overwhelm and Difficulty Relaxing. New motherhood comes with a lot of change, but for moms dealing with postpartum anxiety, this overwhelm can feel all-consuming. You might feel like you’re constantly “on” and unable to shut off. Even during moments when you’re supposed to be relaxing or enjoying time with your baby, you might find it hard to let your guard down or feel like you can’t focus on anything other than your worries.
5. Difficulty with Sleep. You might think that sleepless nights are just part of being a new mom—and they are to an extent—but for moms with postpartum anxiety, the inability to sleep can be tied to anxious thoughts. Your mind might race with worries as soon as your head hits the pillow, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
6. Perfectionism and the Need for Control. Many women with postpartum anxiety feel an intense need to be perfect in their new role as a mother. This can manifest as trying to control everything—from how your baby sleeps to managing your household perfectly. When things don’t go as planned, this can increase feelings of anxiety and guilt.
7. Avoidance of Certain Situations. Some women with postpartum anxiety start to avoid situations that trigger their anxiety, like socializing, leaving the house, or going to doctor’s appointments. This avoidance can end up limiting your freedom and making the anxiety feel even worse over time.
how is postpartum anxiety different from “normal” new mom worries?
First, it’s important to understand that anxiety and worry are normal parts of new motherhood. Every new mom worries about their baby’s health, their ability to care for their little one, and how life will change after giving birth. However, postpartum anxiety goes beyond the normal, fleeting worries most new mothers experience. While the "baby blues" are common and typically last for a few days to a couple of weeks, postpartum anxiety can last much longer and interfere with your ability to function.
If you’re feeling worried but still able to go about your day, enjoy time with your baby, and sleep at night, it’s likely just typical new mom anxiety. But if your worry is unrelenting, taking a toll on your relationships, or preventing you from caring for yourself and your baby, then it’s time to pay closer attention to what’s going on. Here’s how postpartum anxiety differs from typical new mom worries:
Intensity of Worry. Normal new mom worries are often more fleeting, while postpartum anxiety involves intense, overwhelming, and often irrational fears. You might constantly worry about your baby’s health or safety, to the point where it becomes hard to relax or enjoy time with them.
Physical Symptoms. If you’ve found yourself experiencing symptoms like heart palpitations, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, or stomach issues, these can be signs of anxiety. These physical symptoms can make it difficult to sleep, eat, or take care of yourself.
Impact on Daily Life. Postpartum anxiety interferes with your ability to care for yourself, enjoy time with your baby, and engage in normal daily activities. If you find yourself avoiding situations or becoming paralyzed by fear, it’s important to recognize that these are signs of something deeper than typical “new mom” stress.
when should you seek help?
Recognizing that you're struggling with postpartum anxiety is the first step, but it’s important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Many moms may feel ashamed or guilty about asking for help, but reaching out for support is one of the best things you can do for your mental health—and for your baby.
Here are some signs it might be time to talk to a therapist or healthcare provider:
You’re feeling overwhelmed all the time. If your anxiety is consuming most of your thoughts and you’re finding it hard to manage daily tasks or interact with your baby, it’s a good idea to seek professional support.
Physical symptoms are affecting your well-being. If you’re dealing with frequent panic attacks, trouble breathing, or other physical signs of anxiety, it’s important to reach out for help.
You can’t relax or enjoy the moment. Postpartum anxiety can rob you of the joy of being with your baby, and if you’re struggling to enjoy even small moments of connection, talking to someone can help.
Your anxiety is affecting your relationships. If you’re withdrawing from friends, family, or your partner because of anxiety, it might be a sign that it’s time to get support.
The Importance of Self-Compassion and Patience
One of the hardest parts about dealing with postpartum anxiety is the pressure many new mothers feel to "bounce back" quickly and be the perfect mom. Social media, well-meaning family members, and even your own inner voice can create unrealistic expectations about how quickly you should be adjusting to life with a newborn. This can lead to feelings of shame or guilt, especially if you’re struggling with anxiety. The truth is, that healing and adjustment take time, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away.
One of the key concepts I work on with my clients in therapy is self-compassion. This means being kind to yourself when you’re struggling, rather than criticizing or berating yourself for not meeting expectations. It’s important to recognize that your experience is valid, even if it doesn’t look like someone else’s. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to show up and take small steps each day toward taking care of yourself and your baby.
Additionally, it’s crucial to give yourself permission to ask for help. Postpartum anxiety often thrives in isolation, so reaching out to others—whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional—can provide the support you need to start feeling better. You don’t have to go through this alone, and it’s okay to lean on others when you need to.
As a new mom, the journey may feel long and exhausting at times, but remember that postpartum anxiety is treatable. Seeking help early at Sarah Duran Psychotherapy can reduce the intensity of symptoms and help you feel more grounded and present with your baby. Patience, self-compassion, and support are key in navigating this challenging but ultimately rewarding time.
how postpartum therapy can help
Postpartum anxiety therapy can be a powerful tool in managing postpartum anxiety. In therapy, we work on understanding where your anxiety is coming from, challenging negative thought patterns, and finding healthier ways to cope with your worries. Other treatments like mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or even medication (if needed) can be helpful in reducing the symptoms of postpartum anxiety. The important thing is that you don’t have to just “power through” it. There’s help out there, and you deserve to feel supported.
Postpartum anxiety can be incredibly isolating and overwhelming, but the truth is that you don’t have to suffer in silence. If you recognize the signs in yourself or someone you know, reaching out for support is the first step toward healing. No mom should feel like they have to manage anxiety or stress alone. Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking help is one of the best things you can do for both yourself and your baby.
If you’re in Houston or throughout Texas and want to talk more about postpartum anxiety, feel free to reach out for a consultation. You're not alone, and recovery is possible.
Start Your Healing Journey Today with a Postpartum Therapist
Navigating the ups and downs of motherhood can be overwhelming, especially when anxiety takes hold. If you're finding it hard to relax, manage intrusive thoughts, or connect with your baby, you may be experiencing postpartum anxiety. At Sarah Duran Psychotherapy, we’re here to help you understand your feelings, find practical coping strategies, and regain peace of mind.
Contact me here so we can chat.
Explore more about maternal mental health by reading my blogs.
Let’s work together to bring you the peace you deserve.
Other Counseling Services at Sarah Duran Psychotherapy
Postpartum Anxiety and Depression therapy is not the only service we offer at our Houston counseling clinic. We understand that families like yours are multifaceted and may have other concerns you would like to address. Other therapy services Sarah Duran Psychotherapy provides include treatment of reproductive trauma (including infertility, pregnancy loss, and birth trauma) and play therapy.
