Many changes accompany the postpartum era.
Suddenly, your body changes, your relationships become different, andhormonal fluctuationschange how you feel.
In addition to these changes,mental health challenges can arise.
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This is due to postpartum disorders becoming a newly researched issue of interest.
The mental health field does not recognize postpartum anxiety as an official diagnosis.
Postpartum symptoms include:
Why Am I Anxious After Having a Baby?
Additionally, smoking during pregnancy isnt only a contributor toinfant health complicationsit can also result in postpartum anxiety.
Many of the causes of postpartum anxiety are outside of birthing peoples control.
It isnt lost on us how these risk factors may feel overwhelming.
Also, giveyour doctor a heads upif youre nervous about the risks of developing postpartum anxiety.
You dont have to go it alone.
It Is Clinical Anxiety or Just Stress?
Your medical care provider may assess for GAD or OCD symptoms in postpartum appointments.
Alternatively, you may be offered a referral to apsychiatristfor further support.
It isnt uncommon to have aco-occurring diagnosisof postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression.
The recommended pharmacological treatment isselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRIs).
Consistent psychotherapy can aid in decreasing symptoms of postpartum anxiety and exploring the root causes of the disorder.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Pawluski JL, Lonstein JS, Fleming AS.The neurobiology of postpartum anxiety and depression.Trends Neurosci.
2013;131(4):e1218-e1224.
