Postpartum Anxiety: Treatment options
Many people are familiar with the phenomenon of postpartum depression, but did you know that postpartum anxiety may be almost as common? A 2021 Harvard study reports that roughly 36% of women surveyed experienced postpartum depression, and nearly 23% of women surveyed experienced postpartum anxiety. That means one and four new moms will have clinically significant anxiety as a part of their postpartum journey. (1)
The great thing is, postpartum anxiety is manageable and treatable, and today we will take some time to address some of the common ways to treat and manage postpartum anxiety.
Therapy can help!
There are many evidence-based effective therapeutic interventions that can help new moms manage anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the more common interventions for anxiety treatment and has a great impact on the management of postpartum anxious symptoms as well.
Regulate sleep!
OK, we know, the postpartum period is notorious for sleepless nights. But, prioritizing sleep, can be one of the keys for helping new moms manage their own health and wellness. Asking for help, coordinating sleep schedules with a partner, and other strategies to increase his sleep length can be game changers for regulating emotional health. Poor sleep patterns are correlated with higher rates of mental health challenges for new moms, so the priority of sleep can be a great starting point for working towards healthy anxiety treatment (2).
Cuddle that baby!
Baby cuddles actually release a hormone called oxytocin, which is known as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin has great benefits for managing anxiety disorders. (3) So soak in all of those sweet baby cuddles and know that you are creating a firm foundation for health for both you and your new little one.
Move your body!
Movement and exercise (in appropriate ways according to what is needed for your physical health recovery process) can have great benefits for mental health and wellness as well. Even simple things like taking your baby on a walk, stretching, and basic yoga have been proven to assist in the management of postpartum anxiety and depression concerns. (4)
Talk with your doctor!
Talk with your doctor about weighing the pros and cons of medication. The management of postpartum anxiety and depression concerns is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone’s body, brain, and situation are different. Some are able to manage postpartum anxiety symptoms with some of the behavioral change strategies above, and others need additional support for their anxiety symptoms. It’s important to have candid and open conversations with your medical provider about weighing the pros and cons of different treatments for you and your baby (5). While certain risks may exist, happy healthy moms are an important part of happy healthy babies. And a provider that knows you, your history, your family, and your baby, may be able to help guide informed decisions on all levels of care.
If you have considered therapy as a part of your postpartum wellness journey, our team would love to help. We offer in person services at our Arlington, Texas-based therapy group, and online therapy for all Texas residents. Whether you are battling anxiety, depression, or another mental health challenge, we would love to support you in being the healthiest you as you are starting this process of adding to your family.
