When Worry Won’t Turn Off: Recognizing the Signs of Postpartum Anxiety
Becoming a parent is often described as a joyful, transformative experience, but for many new moms, it is accompanied by an undercurrent of worry that feels impossible to shake. While it's natural to feel nervous about your baby’s health, sleep, or feeding schedule, postpartum anxiety goes far beyond typical new-parent concerns. If you’re finding that your mind won’t rest, your heart is racing, or you’re gripped by fears that don’t make sense, you might be experiencing postpartum anxiety.
This condition is far more common than many realize, but t’s often overshadowed by conversations about postpartum depression. By understanding what postpartum anxiety looks and feels like, you can take meaningful steps toward getting support and feeling more like yourself again.
What Is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) that affects new mothers, and sometimes partners, in the weeks and months following childbirth. It can occur on its own or alongside postpartum depression. Unlike the sadness or disconnection that often defines depression, postpartum anxiety is marked by persistent worry, fear, or unease, and is often focused on the baby’s safety, health, or development.
These anxious thoughts can become overwhelming and interfere with daily functioning. And because many new parents expect to feel “tired but happy,” they may blame themselves for struggling or assume this level of worry is just part of parenthood.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Postpartum anxiety can manifest in physical, emotional, and cognitive ways. While every parent’s experience is different, some of the most common symptoms include:
1. Racing Thoughts and Constant Worry
You may find your mind is “always on,” running through worst-case scenarios or repetitive thoughts. Even when things are going well, it might feel like you’re waiting for something bad to happen.
2. Physical Symptoms
Postpartum anxiety often shows up in the body. You might notice:
A rapid heartbeat or tightness in your chest
Stomach aches or digestive issues
Trouble sleeping—even when your baby is asleep
Muscle tension, shakiness, or restlessness
3. Irritability or Feeling on Edge
Many mothers describe feeling “snappy,” overwhelmed by minor frustrations, or constantly on alert. Small challenges can feel impossible to manage, and you might not feel like yourself.
4. Intrusive Thoughts
Some parents experience disturbing or unwanted thoughts about harm coming to their baby. These thoughts are deeply distressing and often lead to guilt and shame. It's important to know that having these thoughts does not mean you’ll act on them—nor does it make you a bad parent.
5. Avoidance Behaviors
You may avoid certain activities, places, or people due to fears about your baby’s safety or your own ability to cope. Some parents avoid sleep out of fear something will happen to their baby during the night.
Why It’s Often Missed
Postpartum anxiety is frequently missed or misdiagnosed. Part of the challenge is that it doesn’t always look like the stereotypical picture of postpartum struggle. You may be functioning well on the outside, while suffering internally.
Additionally, cultural expectations that moms should be selfless, joyful, and endlessly capable can make it harder to speak up. Many parents fear being judged or worry their concerns will be dismissed.
But postpartum anxiety is real, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.
You’re Not Alone—And Help Is Available
If any of this resonates with you, please know that you are not alone. Postpartum anxiety affects approximately 10–15% of new mothers. Therapy can be an incredibly effective way to find relief. Approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help you shift out of the cycle of anxious thoughts, reconnect with your body, and reclaim a sense of calm and trust in yourself.
Support isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about helping you feel present, grounded, and confident as a parent.
A Gentle Path Forward
You don’t have to keep managing this on your own. If you’re experiencing symptoms of postpartum anxiety, it’s okay to ask for help. Working with a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health can offer the support, tools, and understanding you need to start healing.
Ready to take the first step? Reach out today to schedule a consultation. Whether you're newly postpartum or months into parenting, it’s never too late to feel better.