What is Anxiety?
Whether you are a new mom or seasoned vet, anxiety can affect us all. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of American (ADAA), 6.8 million adults are affected by anxiety in any given year and women are twice as likely to be affected. A person with anxiety tends to have a difficult time controlling their worry which can be related to a number of issues.
What is Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)?
Postpartum anxiety is a type of anxiety that affects women who had a child with the last 12 months. Approximately 15-20% of new moms experience PPA. Just like anxiety, it is completely treatable. Many of the symptoms of PPA are similar to anxiety, but may center around your baby and motherhood.
Common Causes
Personal Changes
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Illness
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End of relationship
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Financial change
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Family Changes
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Marriage
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Divorce
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Children (birth, adoption, foster, launching)
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Death
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Environmental Changes
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Natural disasters
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Relocation
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War
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Work Changes
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Unemployment
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Transitioning to/out of the workforce
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New job
Signs & Symptoms
Emotional
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On edge
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Feeling low or Depressed
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Irritable or Angry
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Crying spells
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Behavioral
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Constant sense of urgency
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Over-committed
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Nightmares or Trouble sleeping
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Self-neglect
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Physical
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Can't relax/Racing Heart/Panic attacks
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Loss of appetite or Indigestion/Stomach Aches
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Headaches/Muscle tension
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Excessive fatigue
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Mental
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Negative, scary, or racing thoughts
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Afraid to be alone with baby
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Feelings of hopelessness
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Trouble concentrating or Easily distracted
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Interpersonal (relationships)
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Impatient/Intolerant
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Unable to cope with others' needs
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Isolation
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Over-reliance on others
