Most of us have heard of Postpartum Depression (PPD) which is a clinical depression that occurs for some new moms. PPD affects 15 % of new moms and its milder cousin is commonly known as the baby blues and includes up to 75% of new moms. Symptoms for the baby blues include feeling blue or sad and easy to tear for the first few weeks or months after having a baby. This milder form of PPD generally lifts on its own, but if it doesn’t or if it grows more severe, formal treatment is needed to deal with the symptoms.
Although PPD is well known, what is less known is another disorder called Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) and can also affect not just moms, but also new dads. PPA is a disorder that includes an increase in anxiety brought on by being new parents. Usually, this involves, excess worry, overthinking, and thinking about catastrophe or doom. Usually, this disorder lifts on its own as well, but in some cases, it can rage on for years and interfere with normal family rhythm and happiness.
It is understandable that new parents are more anxious. Suddenly they have a fragile little baby that needs constant care. New parents’ hearts are so filled with love, for their tiny little baby, the what-ifs can take over their mind and lead to PPA.
Most parents can temper their worries by supporting each other and reminding themselves that everything will be ok. But if your new baby anxiety (PPA) feels overwhelming, or you’re having panic attacks, or are struggling with normal everyday activities for fear of the fear itself, here are a few tips to conquer PPA.
1. Use your support. Reach out to your partner, family, or friends. Tell them how you feel and listen to their loving advice.
2. Take baby steps. Most fears are irrational and never come to fruition. Sometimes just moving forward can boost your self-confidence. So, if taking the baby for a walk seems daunting, just pack him up, and out you go. Once you do it a few times, the fear tends to slip away.
3. Reframe your negative thinking. What we tell ourselves in our heads guides the way we deal with baby anxiety. So tell that negative voice to pipe down and start replacing these thoughts with empowering mantras like: “I got this.”
4. Get some help. Talk to your doctor about a referral to a therapist. They can also help deal with PPA.
