Anxiety & Intrusive Thoughts Counseling
Have you ever asked:
"Why can't I stop worrying about my baby?" "Why do I keep checking if the baby is breathing?" "Why can't I sleep even when the baby sleeps?" "Is my heart racing normal postpartum?" "Why do I feel like something terrible is about to happen?" "Can't relax postpartum - is this anxiety?" "Why am I afraid to leave the house with my baby?" "Racing thoughts at night postpartum - help?" You're not alone. And nothing is wrong with you.
Postpartum anxiety is real, it's common (affecting 1 in 5 new mothers), and it's treatable. You don't have to live on edge. You don't have to carry this alone. You just need the right support - and a compassionate place to be honest about what you're feeling.
Perinatal anxiety affects one in five parents - and it's completely treatable. You're not overreacting. You're not being irrational. Your brain is actually wired for bonding and protection right now. Sometimes our nervous systems get stuck in overdrive trying to protect our baby, but the good news is there is a way to calm it down. You don't have to white-knuckle your way through this alone.
Wondering if you might have perinatal anxiety?
Symptoms:
Symptoms can start anytime during pregnancy or postpartum and may look different for each person: constant worry; feeling that something bad might happen; racing thoughts; thoughts that pop in your head that feel disturbing, sleep and appetite changes or disruptions; inability to sit still; somatic and physical symptoms like dizziness, hot flashes, diarrhea, or nausea; feelings of anger, irritability, or rage; nervousness or feeling on edge, and trouble relaxing.
Many people also experience panic attacks - episodes of intense fear with shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, claustrophobia, and numbness or tingling in the extremities. This is called Panic Disorder. Panic attacks come in waves and typically subside after 5-7 minutes, though they can feel terrifying in the moment.
Risk Factors:
If you have some of these, it does not necessarily mean you'll have perinatal anxiety. Risk factors include: personal or family history of anxiety; previous perinatal depression or anxiety; thyroid imbalance; lack of partner or social support; history of abuse; unplanned or unwanted pregnancy; difficult life events or high levels of stress; pregnancy complications (current or past); pregnancy or infant loss; financial challenges; relationship difficulties; negative self-esteem or self-efficacy; and belonging to high-stress parenting groups (LGBTQ+ families, military families, teen parents, single parents, parents of color, parents of multiples, survivors).