Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)
As we’ve talked about extensively here before at Recharged PT, having a baby can be a life changing experience. Not only are you bringing a new human into the world, but who you are as a person may never be or feel the same again. As a new parent, anxiety is a normal feeling to experience as you learn to treat old paths in a new way.
However, just as we discussed last month about postpartum depression, there can come a point where anxiety about postpartum becomes postpartum anxiety (PPA).
PPA is when a person experiences severe anxiety after childbirth or becoming a parent. These feelings can feel out of control and take over your thoughts. PPA appears to have a greater prevalence than postpartum depression, but is often underrecognized and undertreated. It is thought to affect between 11% and 21% of new parents, though healthcare providers do not have a formal screening process for PPA – unlike postpartum depression.
Although PPD and PPA may have overlapping signs and symptoms, there are a few key differences. As discussed previously, PPD may result in frequent sadness (beyond the “baby blues”), frequent crying, no longer caring for things you previously did, and having difficulty caring for you or your baby. PPA is associated with excessive worrying, not sadness. Feeling panicked or overwhelmed is common. Whereas with PPD a mother may have difficulty bonding with her baby, a woman with PPA will be overly concerned. However, it is common in up to 50% of cases for PPD and PPA to co-exist.
Either way, it can be helpful to know what the signs and symptoms of PPA are. Physical symptoms include:
Chest pain or stomach ache
Elevated heart rate
Dizziness and nausea
Difficulty sleeping
Weight loss
Mental and emotional symptoms include:
Nervous thoughts on a loop that don’t seem able to stop
Worrying about worst-case scenarios for you and your baby
Decreased self-esteem
Avoiding certain situations so that “nothing bad will happen”
Feeling on edge
Feelings of guilt and shame that you are doing something wrong
Restlessness and tension or constant nervous energy where it feels like you can’t turn your brain or body “off”
Risk factors for developing PPA include an individual or family history of anxiety, certain pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., heart conditions), a weakened support network, financial hardship, relationship difficulties, or pregnancy loss. Just like PPD, it will often set in 2-3 weeks after giving birth.
If you think you have signs of PPA, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider and get diagnosed as well as assisted with resources for treatment. Certain medications, like SSRIs, may be a good short-term solution and are generally considered safe for postpartum mothers. Counseling and support groups are other good options.
However, it is also important to try to manage the PPA symptoms in a gentle way. This may include:
Establish a routine for you and your baby
Set realistic goals and expectations
Eat well and get enough sleep
Lean on your support systems
When feeling overwhelmed, break down larger tasks into smaller bite-sized ones
Reduce screen time and other things that may lead to overstimulation
Relaxation and mindfulness practice
Overall, the prognosis and full recovery from PPA is fairly good – with access to resources and dedication and consistency. It may take some time and that typically depends on early intervention, the level of support you have, and the duration / severity of your symptoms. However, the most important thing to know: you are not alone, PPA is common, and help is out there!
<3 The Recharged Performance Therapy Team
(321) 802-1630
https://www.rechargedperformancetherapy.com
References
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22693-postpartum-anxiety
https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/types/anxiety/
https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/understanding-postpartum-anxiety-and-ptsd/
https://www.npjournal.org/article/S1555-4155(20)30452-9/abstract