7 Signs You May Be Experiencing Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum anxiety can feel all-consuming and take up a lot of time and space in your head. It can feel debilitating, like you are unable to do anything, go anywhere, or see anyone. It can make motherhood feel extremely isolating and lonely. You may wonder, why do other moms seem to be doing so much when I feel like I can barely leave the house? 

The truth is, postpartum anxiety can show up differently for every mother. The specific worries may vary, but what matters most is how often you’re worrying, how intense those worries feel, and how much they are impacting your quality of life and your joy in parenting.

Here are some common signs of postpartum anxiety:

Constant Worry

The main thing that shows up with anxiety is persistent and ongoing worry. Your mind may fixate on one specific concern, or it may be worried about many different things. It may feel impossible to stop worrying, and it may feel like your day-to-day is consumed with worries. 

Feeling Like Something Bad is Going to Happen

You may carry a constant sense of dread or unease. This can feel like a pit in your stomach, a heaviness in your chest, or a lingering fear that something isn’t right. It can be hard to tell if this is your gut telling you something or your mind and body playing tricks on you. 

Your Thoughts Will Race

Anxiety often causes racing thoughts. Your mind may fill with “what if” scenarios and start focusing on worst-case outcomes. These thoughts can feel relentless, as if your brain is trying to protect you by preparing for every possible danger.

Physical Symptoms 

Anxiety doesn’t just live in the mind, but will show up in the body in several ways. Anxiety often shows up in the stomach, causing an upset stomach. Anxiety may also make you feel dizzy and make your body feel very warm. 

Trouble Eating and Sleeping

Due to the physical symptoms that anxiety creates, this may impact your appetite and your ability to eat. You may feel more nauseous and have difficulty wanting to eat, or food may make you feel worse. Anxiety and racing thoughts may also show up more at night, making it more difficult to fall asleep at night. 

Feeling Restless

Anxiety triggers our fight or flight instincts, making it difficult to relax. Anxiety may make you feel more restless and unable to sit still. You may feel constantly on edge, and your body may itch to move. 

Feeling Irritable or Angry

Due to the fight or flight instincts and restlessness, even small things can feel like too much. This may make you more prone to snapping at others or feeling like you have a “short fuse.” You may notice increased frustration and feeling constantly irritable.

Anxiety Shows Up Differently

While these signs may be some ways to help identify if anxiety is impacting your motherhood, anxiety will show up differently for everyone. If you feel that you relate to these symptoms and suspect that anxiety is affecting your pregnancy or postpartum experience, please consider reaching out to get help.

Therapy Can Change Your Pregnancy and Postpartum Experience

Therapy can help reduce symptoms and make you feel more at ease about your pregnancy and postpartum journey. There are numerous benefits to getting help during your pregnancy or early postpartum. 

I offer therapy in the Livermore and Pleasanton area in person and offer telehealth services to those residing in California. If you would like to reduce your symptoms of anxiety, please feel free to contact me for a brief consultation to determine if we are a good fit, or learn more by visiting my page for pregnancy and postpartum.