You’ve probably heard of postpartum depression or the baby blues. You might have even completed questionnaires concerning your emotions at your postpartum doctor appointment. After birth, hormone levels tend to drop, which can cause baby blues and make you feel depressed, emotional, and stressed. These signs, though, are minor and only linger for a few weeks. However, another issue can exist as the signs and symptoms worsen and become incapacitating.
Postpartum anxiety and depression have overlapping symptoms
Postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression share many symptoms (such as trouble relaxing, irritability, and poor sleep). While not all anxious moms are depressed, postpartum depression mothers frequently exhibit signs of anxiety. It’s critical to establish the proper diagnosis since mothers with postpartum anxiety might not always respond as well to some depression therapies, such as interpersonal psychotherapy or drugs like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Usually, postpartum hormone changes can cause an increase in anxiety. It might also worsen due to actual stressors, such as worries about the baby’s health, money, or adjusting to new responsibilities in family relationships. Your likelihood of experiencing postpartum anxiety significantly increases if you’ve previously lost a pregnancy.
During the postpartum period, some mother experience panic episodes or OCD-related symptoms. Obsessions are disruptive, undesired thoughts associated with urges or deliberate actions performed to reduce distress. A new mom may find these symptoms terrifying, especially if she has ideas about hurting the child.
Treatment of postpartum anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders and OCD can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). For some, a combination of medication with therapy can produce enhanced outcomes. The first-line medications for anxiety disorders include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, while benzodiazepines are quick-acting anti-anxiety drugs used as one waits for SSRIs to act.
Breastfeeding is important for the baby as it helps the infant develop an immune system and offers comfort and security. However, when considering anxiety medications, moms must know that psychiatric medications can be excreted in breast milk. Therefore one should discuss with their doctor the risk and benefits of these drugs first.
