How long does anxiety last after having a baby? Is anxiety normal after having a baby? Can anxiety get worse after having a baby? Is postpartum OCD temporary?
You can overcome your postpartum anxiety. The stress you are feeling will not last forever. And you will be able to fully enjoy your time with your baby.
You are likely familiar with postpartum depression. But fewer people are also familiar with postpartum anxiety. Though it is even more common, symptoms often go unreported (dismissed as normal new-parent jitters).
After giving birth, you may notice an increase in your stress levels. But initially, you don’t think anything of it. You have a new baby to take care of, so feeling stressed is not surprising.
However, there is a normal level of stress, and there is a point when it should be addressed. You may have low levels of stress that you can rationalize yourself out of, and that subside a few weeks after giving birth. In that case, no further action needs to be taken.
But maybe it’s been weeks, and your anxiety symptoms are only increasing. You’re having persistent irrational thoughts, that you are unable to talk yourself out of. You are unable to relax, and are plagued by feelings of dread. You wake up in the middle of the night, even when your baby is still asleep.
You might even start exhibiting symptoms similar to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). If you are having obsessive and intrusive thoughts about your baby being hurt or worse, or if you develop compulsive habits, you could have postpartum OCD.
Your instinct may be to say that these thoughts and worries will pass as your child gets older. But left untreated, the effects of postpartum anxiety can go on for years.
Postpartum anxiety counseling
Thankfully, postpartum anxiety and OCD are treatable. And the earlier you bring your symptoms to your doctor’s attention, the shorter their duration.
When you have a confirmed diagnosis, treatment can begin. As with most mental health issues, support is key. Family, friends, and therapy can all help provide that.
Working with us, you will develop management techniques for your postpartum anxiety, such as exercise and relaxation methods. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, medication may also be recommended. Your baby’s health will always be taken into account when prescribing antidepressants or similar medication.
If you are open to support, you will be back to normal in time.
And you will be able to fully bond with your new baby.
We will guide you through the process of overcoming your postpartum anxiety, and help you move forward.
Here’s what to expect when you work with us:
Free Phone Consult:
At Bricolage, we extend a free 15-minute phone consultation to make sure we are a good fit to work together. We will discuss what your goals are, explain what therapy will look like, and how your life will be different after working with us. By the end of this call, you will have
a clear idea of your next steps.
Initial Session:
Your first meeting with your therapist will be between 60 and 70 minutes and will allow the two of you to begin to build a relationship.
You will go over the information you provided before this initial session as well as dive into all of the elements of your story. Throughout
this appointment, you and your therapist will work as a team to create your action plan.
Weekly Sessions:
Once you and your therapist begin to work deeply together, you will experience a type of treatment that has been completely tailored
to you and your needs. Your therapist will take keen notice of where you are in your wellness journey and ensure that the exercises you complete in session will bring you a sense of comfort and peace as you move forward.
Completion of Goals
As a team, you and your therapist will continue to evaluate your progress and growth. Eventually, the two of you will recognize that you
are responding to stressors more effectively and that weekly therapy might no longer be necessary. At this point you can choose to come to session less often and together you will decide what level of support you need for the future.
Our team of compassionate professionals will help you tap into the strengths you already possess and guide you to stop looking for the “if” and start taking advantage of the NOW.
Other Pregnancy/Postpartum Anxiety & OCD Areas
Our Expert Clinicians
Therapists, Coaches and Occupational Therapists who work with clients experiencing Family Planning, Pregnancy and Postpartum Related Issues.