The truth about postpartum anxiety no one tells you

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By J.L. Rose

You’ve heard of postpartum depression, right? Most moms have. But has your doctor ever mentioned postpartum anxiety? Research indicates postpartum anxiety is more common and less likely to be diagnosed compared to postpartum depression.

Postpartum anxiety affects 1 in 5 women, according to research led by Sandra Nakić Radoš, compared to postpartum depression affecting 1 in 8 women.

“Postpartum anxiety is even more prevalent than postpartum depression but is often underdiagnosed by clinicians and patients because it is challenging to differentiate between normal pregnancy and postpartum symptoms and those that cause significant impairment,” according to Michelle Zappas and her fellow researchers, who authored the “Postpartum Anxiety” peer-reviewed article for The Journal for Nurse Practitioners.

The Cleveland Clinic defines postpartum anxiety as, “excessive worrying that occurs after childbirth or adoption. People with postpartum anxiety may feel consumed with worry and constantly nervous or panicked.”

While postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression can occur at the same time, they are distinctly different.

Postpartum anxiety can have physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms such as:

• Loss of appetite

• Heart palpitations

• Obsessing over irrational fears

• Thinking about worst-case scenarios

• Avoiding certain activities, people or places

View a detailed list of symptoms from the Cleveland Clinic.

Management can vary from lifestyle treatments like support groups for new parents and daily exercise to forms of therapy or medication.

If you’re experiencing possible symptoms of postpartum anxiety, the Cleveland Clinic advises talking with your doctor about how you’re feeling.

You’re not alone.

J.L. Rose, MA is a mom, communications expert and storyteller with more than 20 years of experience in journalism, strategic communications and education. She has been published by Scary Mommy, StepMom Magazine and more. She earned two Honorable Mentions in the Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Comeptition. She is creator of Storytime for Moms on YouTube, a grown-up storytelling channel for women who want to laugh, feel seen or escape for 10 minutes. The channel is dedicated to giving moms a well-deserved break for themselves in a space where moms support moms and it’s all about self-care.

Affirmations for Moms with Postpartum Anxiety