Mothers' Fears and Psychological Challenges with Infants
What is postnatal anxiety?
Having a baby often causes moderate mood changes in many persons who have given birth. This often only lasts a few days and is frequently referred to as the "baby blues."
It's normal to occasionally experience anxiety and worry, especially in the first few weeks following childbirth. For instance, you can be concerned that something bad will happen to the infant or that you'll make a mistake. But after two or three months, when you start to become acclimated to caring for a newborn, these emotions normally become less intense. Postnatal anxiety is distinct in that it typically persists (doesn't go away) and is more distressing.
It might be difficult for many new parents to discuss any unpleasant emotions since they feel that everyone else is happy and that they should be happy too. However, postpartum anxiety is a prevalent mental health issue that requires medical attention as well as impartial emotional support. It's critical to share your feelings with someone. Your GP, health visitor, or midwife might be this person.
Anxiety is a mood that can range from minor discomfort to intense anxiety or panic. Anxious people frequently, though not always, worry that something has gone wrong or could go wrong.
While anxiety is a common emotion for everyone, some people struggle to manage their anxieties. Panic attacks can be extremely terrifying for some individuals who suffer from anxiety.
Some parents may experience traumatic births, which may contribute to the development of additional anxiety disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Some people's fears or anxieties force them to engage in compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts. Additionally, they could be plagued by intrusive thoughts of the kid suffering unintentionally or on purpose. The term for this is OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Although postpartum psychosis is an uncommon syndrome with many additional symptoms not associated with anxiety disorders, anxiety can also be a feature of it. Study up on postpartum psychosis.
How common is postnatal anxiety?
As you may already be aware, postpartum depression is the term for the depression that can strike after giving birth. But worry after giving birth is also extremely frequent. Recent research suggests that it might possibly be more prevalent. Anxiety is among the mental health issues that up to 1 in 5 pregnant women and postpartum women experience in the first year following delivery.
It's possible for some people to believe that the parent who gave birth is the only one who can be impacted. However, worry can strike partners and fathers both during and after their partner's pregnancy. A new baby is a significant life transition that can have both positive and negative effects on a parent. If it's hard for you to change, try not to be too hard on yourself.
What is the difference between postnatal anxiety and postnatal depression?
Feeling depressed or hopeless for longer than two weeks is known as postnatal depression. In addition, you may experience difficulty focusing, lose interest in activities you typically find enjoyable, or experience emotions of pessimism, remorse, self-blame, and low self-esteem. Anxiety patients are more prone to experience physical symptoms like panic attacks or difficulty relaxing, as well as excessive and ongoing worry.
Even with the improvements, there may still be difficulties in getting medical practitioners to recognize this kind of worry. According to research by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG), a lot of women have complained that their symptoms were disregarded by medical personnel since they didn't match the conventional definition of postpartum depression.
It is feasible to have anxiety and despair simultaneously. It's crucial to acknowledge and receive the necessary help if you suffer from postpartum anxiety in order to effectively manage your symptoms.
What are the symptoms of postnatal anxiety?
Some anxiety symptoms could be hard to identify since they resemble common experiences for most new parents. For instance, you could find it difficult to focus or fall asleep.
If you have anxiety, you may also feel:
- anxious all or most of the time and not be able to control it
- restless or worried
- a sense of dread
- irritable
- constantly on edge.
Your behavior may also be impacted by anxiety. For instance, you can suppress certain feelings or even avoid going somewhere or doing something because you think it might be dangerous. You might be asking family members or medical professionals for assurance repeatedly or being extremely cautious.
Anxiety sufferers occasionally experience panic attacks. These might appear suddenly and without apparent cause. The majority of panic episodes last five to twenty minutes. Although they can be quite terrifying, they are not harmful because worry is a common feeling. You experience an acute rush of physical and mental symptoms when you have a panic attack. These may consist of:
Symptoms of a panic attack can include:
- a racing heartbeat
- a feeling of dread or fear of dying
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- dizziness.
If you can answer yes to most of the following questions you may be affected by postnatal anxiety:
- Have you found yourself overly worrying that your baby is in danger?
- Have you found yourself imagining your baby coming to harm?
- Have you found your concerns over your baby’s safety are affecting your daily life?
- Have you experienced repeated panic attacks?
Asking your doctor or health visitor for assistance is a good idea if you believe that your excessive worry is negatively affecting your wellbeing.
What causes postnatal anxiety?
Anxiety can strike anyone at any time. However, because pregnancy and the postpartum period can be extremely stressful, if you already have an anxiety problem or are a worrier, you may be more susceptible to anxiety during and after these times.
You are probably attempting to deal with stuff like these as new parents:
- learning how to look after your new baby
- being responsible for your baby’s health and wellbeing
- a lack of sleep
- a changing relationship with your partner
- financial pressures.
It can also be more difficult to adjust to life as a new family if you don't have strong support systems in place, such friends or local family. You may be coping with a specific stressor, like a sick child or other life circumstances. This does not imply that you are not anxious or that you won't benefit from support.
Additionally, you are more likely to feel anxious if you:
- are female
- have a family history of anxiety
- had problems in childhood, such as parental problems or bullying
- have experienced physical or emotional trauma or abuse
- have a long-term or painful condition
- have been under extra stress due to things like relationship problems, money worries or unemployment
- had a complicated pregnancy or birth.
Additionally, having had a previous baby loss may make you more susceptible to postpartum anxiety and melancholy.
What can I do if I think I have postnatal anxiety?
Discussing your feelings with a spouse, family member, or friend could be beneficial. They might be able to offer you both practical and emotional support. For instance, they might be able to take care of the infant while you try to get some rest.
It could be beneficial to speak with other parents as well. This might occasionally reassure you and assist you in putting your emotions into perspective. Additionally, it may assist some parents in realizing that their needs for support have increased and that their feelings are more intense.
Informing your GP or health visitor about your feelings is also crucial. Though discussing this can be difficult for some, keep in mind that the medical staff won't pass judgment on you. They are aware that anxiety is a mental illness. It's not your fault, and you simply have to "get over" or get over it. Their main goal will be to assist you in locating the best care and resources so you can look after both yourself and your child.
If you have trouble talking about your ideas and emotions, you might wish to have someone accompany you to the appointment or write down your ideas beforehand. Notifying someone is crucial in order to receive the appropriate assistance as soon as feasible. If you'd rather, you can use talking therapy services to refer yourself for a free initial assessment instead of visiting your general practitioner. Further details regarding this can be found below.
Some parents fear that if they seek assistance for their symptoms, others will assume they are incapable of caring for their child and take them away.
These are normal emotions, therefore it makes sense that anxiety would arise. However, social services make an effort to preserve family unity. Even in cases where a parent has a mental health issue, they will never place a baby in foster care. Being anxious does not automatically make someone an unsuitable parent. Never be reluctant to express your feelings to your physician or health visitor.
Your relationship with your baby
You might be concerned that your inability to bond with your child will be hampered if you suffer from anxiety. Anxiety is not going to cause this, for any reason. If you are having trouble, treatment usually makes a difference.
It's crucial to understand that while some parents bond with their child right away, others discover that it takes longer. Try not to overburden yourself with expectations. If after therapy you're still having trouble, see your GP or health visitor. They can assist you in finding the greatest support for your emotional state.
What are the treatments for postnatal anxiety?
Talking therapy, self-help, medication, or a mix of these are the primary treatments for mental health issues including postpartum anxiety. What is accessible locally, the severity of your symptoms, and what your doctor recommends will all play a role in what you are given.
Applied relaxation
The goal of applied relaxation is to specifically relax your muscles in circumstances that often make you feel anxious. It takes a qualified therapist to teach the procedure.
Your general practitioner, midwife, or health visitor can recommend talking therapies and applied relaxation if you reside in England. Alternatively, you can make a direct referral to an NHS psychological therapy service (IAPT). While not all areas of the UK offer self-referral, your GP or health visitor can advise you on what options are available where you live.
Talking therapies
Psychological therapies known as "talking treatments" include discussing personal feelings with a qualified therapist. You can do this with your family, your partner, in a group, over the phone, or one-on-one.
For any anxiety issue, cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is an efficient treatment. CBT gives you the skills you need to recognize and confront your anxious or negative thoughts, which will eventually enable you to do actions you would otherwise avoid because they cause you anxiety.
Guided self-help
A guided self-help course may be recommended by your GP or psychological therapy facility to help you learn coping mechanisms for your anxiety. A CBT-based workbook or online course that you can do on your own schedule with a therapist's help may be made available to you.
Medication
Your GP may suggest medication if talking treatments are ineffective for you or if that's what you would want. Most of the time, an antidepressant of some kind will be the first prescription prescribed to you (despite the name, these are also the major medication for anxiety problems).
The majority of medications, including antidepressants, are safe to take while nursing your child. However, it's advisable to let your doctor know if you want to breastfeed before beginning any pharmaceutical regimen. There's a chance your doctor will recommend you to a more specialized service.
Soula app
Soula app here 24/7 to provide women with emotional and informational support during the most challenging periods of their lives, aiming to prevent anxiety, burnout, and depression through neuroscience techniques and conversational AI.
How can I manage my postnatal anxiety symptoms?
When you're taking care of a newborn, it can be simple to forget about yourself, but it's crucial to take care of yourself as well. Attempt to:
- Take up gentle activity, like swimming or walking, and accept and ask for assistance from individuals in your immediate vicinity, such as friends and relatives.
- When you are attempting to deal with insomnia, it can be challenging to rest and sleep when you can, but there are some things you can try.
- Discuss your feelings with a trusted person, such as a friend, family member, or partner.
- Avoid smoking as it can exacerbate anxiety. Acknowledge that these emotions are not your responsibility.
- Avoid consuming excessive amounts of coffee since this may increase your anxiety levels and, if you are nursing, may cause your infant to become restless. Try to consume as little caffeine as you can.
- What is postnatal anxiety?
- How common is postnatal anxiety?
- What is the difference between postnatal anxiety and postnatal depression?
- What are the symptoms of postnatal anxiety?
- What causes postnatal anxiety?
- What can I do if I think I have postnatal anxiety?
- Your relationship with your baby
- What are the treatments for postnatal anxiety?
- How can I manage my postnatal anxiety symptoms?
What is postnatal anxiety?
Having a baby often causes moderate mood changes in many persons who have given birth. This often only lasts a few days and is frequently referred to as the "baby blues."
It's normal to occasionally experience anxiety and worry, especially in the first few weeks following childbirth. For instance, you can be concerned that something bad will happen to the infant or that you'll make a mistake. But after two or three months, when you start to become acclimated to caring for a newborn, these emotions normally become less intense. Postnatal anxiety is distinct in that it typically persists (doesn't go away) and is more distressing.
It might be difficult for many new parents to discuss any unpleasant emotions since they feel that everyone else is happy and that they should be happy too. However, postpartum anxiety is a prevalent mental health issue that requires medical attention as well as impartial emotional support. It's critical to share your feelings with someone. Your GP, health visitor, or midwife might be this person.
Anxiety is a mood that can range from minor discomfort to intense anxiety or panic. Anxious people frequently, though not always, worry that something has gone wrong or could go wrong.
While anxiety is a common emotion for everyone, some people struggle to manage their anxieties. Panic attacks can be extremely terrifying for some individuals who suffer from anxiety.
Some parents may experience traumatic births, which may contribute to the development of additional anxiety disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Some people's fears or anxieties force them to engage in compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts. Additionally, they could be plagued by intrusive thoughts of the kid suffering unintentionally or on purpose. The term for this is OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Although postpartum psychosis is an uncommon syndrome with many additional symptoms not associated with anxiety disorders, anxiety can also be a feature of it. Study up on postpartum psychosis.
How common is postnatal anxiety?
As you may already be aware, postpartum depression is the term for the depression that can strike after giving birth. But worry after giving birth is also extremely frequent. Recent research suggests that it might possibly be more prevalent. Anxiety is among the mental health issues that up to 1 in 5 pregnant women and postpartum women experience in the first year following delivery.
It's possible for some people to believe that the parent who gave birth is the only one who can be impacted. However, worry can strike partners and fathers both during and after their partner's pregnancy. A new baby is a significant life transition that can have both positive and negative effects on a parent. If it's hard for you to change, try not to be too hard on yourself.
What is the difference between postnatal anxiety and postnatal depression?
Feeling depressed or hopeless for longer than two weeks is known as postnatal depression. In addition, you may experience difficulty focusing, lose interest in activities you typically find enjoyable, or experience emotions of pessimism, remorse, self-blame, and low self-esteem. Anxiety patients are more prone to experience physical symptoms like panic attacks or difficulty relaxing, as well as excessive and ongoing worry.
Even with the improvements, there may still be difficulties in getting medical practitioners to recognize this kind of worry. According to research by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG), a lot of women have complained that their symptoms were disregarded by medical personnel since they didn't match the conventional definition of postpartum depression.
It is feasible to have anxiety and despair simultaneously. It's crucial to acknowledge and receive the necessary help if you suffer from postpartum anxiety in order to effectively manage your symptoms.
What are the symptoms of postnatal anxiety?
Some anxiety symptoms could be hard to identify since they resemble common experiences for most new parents. For instance, you could find it difficult to focus or fall asleep.
If you have anxiety, you may also feel:
- anxious all or most of the time and not be able to control it
- restless or worried
- a sense of dread
- irritable
- constantly on edge.
Your behavior may also be impacted by anxiety. For instance, you can suppress certain feelings or even avoid going somewhere or doing something because you think it might be dangerous. You might be asking family members or medical professionals for assurance repeatedly or being extremely cautious.
Anxiety sufferers occasionally experience panic attacks. These might appear suddenly and without apparent cause. The majority of panic episodes last five to twenty minutes. Although they can be quite terrifying, they are not harmful because worry is a common feeling. You experience an acute rush of physical and mental symptoms when you have a panic attack. These may consist of:
Symptoms of a panic attack can include:
- a racing heartbeat
- a feeling of dread or fear of dying
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- dizziness.
If you can answer yes to most of the following questions you may be affected by postnatal anxiety:
- Have you found yourself overly worrying that your baby is in danger?
- Have you found yourself imagining your baby coming to harm?
- Have you found your concerns over your baby’s safety are affecting your daily life?
- Have you experienced repeated panic attacks?
Asking your doctor or health visitor for assistance is a good idea if you believe that your excessive worry is negatively affecting your wellbeing.
What causes postnatal anxiety?
Anxiety can strike anyone at any time. However, because pregnancy and the postpartum period can be extremely stressful, if you already have an anxiety problem or are a worrier, you may be more susceptible to anxiety during and after these times.
You are probably attempting to deal with stuff like these as new parents:
- learning how to look after your new baby
- being responsible for your baby’s health and wellbeing
- a lack of sleep
- a changing relationship with your partner
- financial pressures.
It can also be more difficult to adjust to life as a new family if you don't have strong support systems in place, such friends or local family. You may be coping with a specific stressor, like a sick child or other life circumstances. This does not imply that you are not anxious or that you won't benefit from support.
Additionally, you are more likely to feel anxious if you:
- are female
- have a family history of anxiety
- had problems in childhood, such as parental problems or bullying
- have experienced physical or emotional trauma or abuse
- have a long-term or painful condition
- have been under extra stress due to things like relationship problems, money worries or unemployment
- had a complicated pregnancy or birth.
Additionally, having had a previous baby loss may make you more susceptible to postpartum anxiety and melancholy.
What can I do if I think I have postnatal anxiety?
Discussing your feelings with a spouse, family member, or friend could be beneficial. They might be able to offer you both practical and emotional support. For instance, they might be able to take care of the infant while you try to get some rest.
It could be beneficial to speak with other parents as well. This might occasionally reassure you and assist you in putting your emotions into perspective. Additionally, it may assist some parents in realizing that their needs for support have increased and that their feelings are more intense.
Informing your GP or health visitor about your feelings is also crucial. Though discussing this can be difficult for some, keep in mind that the medical staff won't pass judgment on you. They are aware that anxiety is a mental illness. It's not your fault, and you simply have to "get over" or get over it. Their main goal will be to assist you in locating the best care and resources so you can look after both yourself and your child.
If you have trouble talking about your ideas and emotions, you might wish to have someone accompany you to the appointment or write down your ideas beforehand. Notifying someone is crucial in order to receive the appropriate assistance as soon as feasible. If you'd rather, you can use talking therapy services to refer yourself for a free initial assessment instead of visiting your general practitioner. Further details regarding this can be found below.
Some parents fear that if they seek assistance for their symptoms, others will assume they are incapable of caring for their child and take them away.
These are normal emotions, therefore it makes sense that anxiety would arise. However, social services make an effort to preserve family unity. Even in cases where a parent has a mental health issue, they will never place a baby in foster care. Being anxious does not automatically make someone an unsuitable parent. Never be reluctant to express your feelings to your physician or health visitor.
Your relationship with your baby
You might be concerned that your inability to bond with your child will be hampered if you suffer from anxiety. Anxiety is not going to cause this, for any reason. If you are having trouble, treatment usually makes a difference.
It's crucial to understand that while some parents bond with their child right away, others discover that it takes longer. Try not to overburden yourself with expectations. If after therapy you're still having trouble, see your GP or health visitor. They can assist you in finding the greatest support for your emotional state.
What are the treatments for postnatal anxiety?
Talking therapy, self-help, medication, or a mix of these are the primary treatments for mental health issues including postpartum anxiety. What is accessible locally, the severity of your symptoms, and what your doctor recommends will all play a role in what you are given.
Applied relaxation
The goal of applied relaxation is to specifically relax your muscles in circumstances that often make you feel anxious. It takes a qualified therapist to teach the procedure.
Your general practitioner, midwife, or health visitor can recommend talking therapies and applied relaxation if you reside in England. Alternatively, you can make a direct referral to an NHS psychological therapy service (IAPT). While not all areas of the UK offer self-referral, your GP or health visitor can advise you on what options are available where you live.
Talking therapies
Psychological therapies known as "talking treatments" include discussing personal feelings with a qualified therapist. You can do this with your family, your partner, in a group, over the phone, or one-on-one.
For any anxiety issue, cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is an efficient treatment. CBT gives you the skills you need to recognize and confront your anxious or negative thoughts, which will eventually enable you to do actions you would otherwise avoid because they cause you anxiety.
Guided self-help
A guided self-help course may be recommended by your GP or psychological therapy facility to help you learn coping mechanisms for your anxiety. A CBT-based workbook or online course that you can do on your own schedule with a therapist's help may be made available to you.
Medication
Your GP may suggest medication if talking treatments are ineffective for you or if that's what you would want. Most of the time, an antidepressant of some kind will be the first prescription prescribed to you (despite the name, these are also the major medication for anxiety problems).
The majority of medications, including antidepressants, are safe to take while nursing your child. However, it's advisable to let your doctor know if you want to breastfeed before beginning any pharmaceutical regimen. There's a chance your doctor will recommend you to a more specialized service.
Soula app
Soula app here 24/7 to provide women with emotional and informational support during the most challenging periods of their lives, aiming to prevent anxiety, burnout, and depression through neuroscience techniques and conversational AI.
How can I manage my postnatal anxiety symptoms?
When you're taking care of a newborn, it can be simple to forget about yourself, but it's crucial to take care of yourself as well. Attempt to:
- Take up gentle activity, like swimming or walking, and accept and ask for assistance from individuals in your immediate vicinity, such as friends and relatives.
- When you are attempting to deal with insomnia, it can be challenging to rest and sleep when you can, but there are some things you can try.
- Discuss your feelings with a trusted person, such as a friend, family member, or partner.
- Avoid smoking as it can exacerbate anxiety. Acknowledge that these emotions are not your responsibility.
- Avoid consuming excessive amounts of coffee since this may increase your anxiety levels and, if you are nursing, may cause your infant to become restless. Try to consume as little caffeine as you can.
