Postpartum Anxiety
You feel constantly on edge and you can't shake intrusive thoughts about something happening to your baby. It's like a constant loop in your mind. You’re afraid to be alone with your baby because you’re terrified something will happen and you won't be able to handle it. You feel guilty for not enjoying motherhood as much as you thought you would. You keep comparing yourself to other moms and feeling like you’re failing because you can't seem to control your anxiety. You’re scared to talk about how you’re feeling because you’re afraid people will judge you or think you’re a bad mother.
Postpartum OCD
The persistent thoughts you have about worst-case scenarios involving your baby are so distressing. You feel like you’re losing control. You feel like you have to perform certain rituals or routines to keep your baby safe, like checking on them repeatedly throughout the night. You know it's irrational, but you can't help but feel like something terrible will happen if you don't follow your obsessive rituals. You can't stop obsessing over whether you’ve done something to harm your baby, even though you know logically that you haven't. You feel like you’re failing as a mother because you can't stop these irrational thoughts and behaviors.
Postpartum Depression
You can't seem to find joy in anything, even in moments you thought you would cherish as a new mother. You feel like you’re just going through the motions, but inside, you’re numb. You’re so exhausted, but no amount of sleep seems to make you feel better. You keep wondering if you’re a bad mother because you don't feel the overwhelming love and connection everyone talks about. You cry all the time, but you can't even explain why. You feel like you’re failing at everything – as a mother, as a partner, as a person. You’re scared to admit how you’re feeling because you’re afraid people will judge you or think you’re unfit to care for your baby.
Role Transition
You feel like you've lost your sense of identity since becoming a mother. You don't know who you are anymore. You feel overwhelmed by the expectations placed on you as a mother. It's like you’re constantly falling short. You miss your old life and the freedom you had before the baby. You feel like you've lost touch with your partner since the baby arrived. Your relationship feels strained. You're struggling to balance taking care of your baby with taking care of yourself. It feels like there's never enough time. You feel guilty for not enjoying motherhood as much as you thought you would. It's like you’re failing at the one thing you’re supposed to be good at. You just want to feel confident in your abilities as a mother, but it feels like you’re constantly second-guessing yourself.
Attachment Issues
You feel like you’re going through the motions of motherhood, but deep down, you feel disconnected from your baby. You’re having trouble bonding with your baby. It's like you don't feel that overwhelming love and attachment everyone talks about. You’re afraid that your baby can sense that you’re not fully attached to them, and it breaks your heart. You worry that you’re not capable of providing the love and nurturing your baby needs to thrive. You feel isolated and alone in your struggle to connect with your baby. It's like you’re the only one who feels this way.
PMAD Facts:
The onset of postpartum anxiety and depression varies among individuals.
Symptoms can start within the first few weeks - OR - many months after childbirth.
Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly.
Early intervention can greatly improve outcomes for both the mother and her baby.
The prognosis for postpartum anxiety and depression is generally positive with timely intervention, comprehensive treatment, and ongoing support. By addressing these conditions promptly and effectively, women can achieve symptom relief, improve their quality of life, and enjoy fulfilling relationships with their children and families.
Don’t wait to get help.
You don't have to face this alone. Get in touch.