Do you also experience unbearable anger after having a baby? (Postpartum Rage) Let's talk about this!

How much does a new mother's life change after having a baby? On one hand, while feeling incredibly happy, on the other hand, you can feel very tired, sometimes anxious, or even angry over small things. Do you suddenly get angry and feel like screaming over small things? If so, first understand that this is not something that happens to you alone . Today, let's talk about this unbearable anger that some mothers experience after giving birth, a condition called ``Postpartum Rage''.

What is postpartum rage?

Simply put, postpartum rage is an intense, uncontrollable feeling of anger, restlessness, or aggression that some mothers experience after giving birth, especially in the first few weeks to months. Some studies show that postpartum rage can occur alongside other postnatal conditions, such as postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. It's normal to experience some changes in your mental health and mood after having a baby. Think about it, your hormones are changing dramatically , your routine is completely changing, and you're feeling overwhelmed by new responsibilities. All of this can be exacerbated by poor sleep . But the most important thing is that these changes are temporary . You are not alone, and if you are feeling this anger, frustration, or frustration, you can get help. Experts still don't fully understand why some people experience this uncontrollable anger after having a baby. Also, ``Postpartum Rage'' is not yet an officially recognized medical condition. However, healthcare providers, i.e. doctors, recognize that this condition exists and can help you. The best thing to do is to talk to a doctor about your symptoms and feelings. Then they can decide how to help you.

Important: If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, your baby, or someone else, please call your nearest emergency number immediately (such as 1990 Suwaseriya in Sri Lanka) for help. If you think someone close to you is in this situation, support them or help them get medical advice.

Is this anger part of postpartum depression?

``Postpartum Rage'' and ``Postpartum Depression'' are different, but very closely related, conditions.Two questions. `(Postpartum Rage)` is when you have an outburst of anger that you can't control. However, you may also experience this intense anger along with the symptoms of `(Postpartum Depression)`, such as sadness, guilt, and loneliness. The important thing is that you can experience this anger even if you don't have depression . Also, not everyone with `(Postpartum Depression)` will experience this anger. `(Postpartum Rage)` has not been studied in depth yet. Most experts do not consider it a `(Mood Disorder)` like `(Postpartum Depression)`. However, doctors do accept that this anger and depression can coexist.

Who can get this condition ``Postpartum Rage''?

Postpartum rage can affect anyone who has recently given birth . It is most common in the first six weeks to a year after giving birth. It is also more likely to occur in those who already have a mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder, or those who have symptoms of postpartum depression.

How common is this condition?

There aren't many studies specifically on postpartum rage. It's often overlooked as a symptom of postpartum depression. However, postpartum mental health problems are more common than you might think . Almost 1 in 4 mothers experience some form of mental health condition after giving birth.

What are the symptoms of `(Postpartum Rage)`?

Unlike other common postpartum mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, the main symptom of postpartum rage is anger . With depression, a person may feel sad and cry a lot. With anxiety, a person may feel scared and worried all the time. However, all of these symptoms can also occur together . That means you may feel sad, angry, and anxious all at once. The symptoms of postpartum rage can vary from person to person. Here are some common symptoms:

• It feels like you suddenly explode with anger over something small that normally wouldn't make you angry.
• Feeling like yelling at others, or actually yelling.
• Feeling like hitting things like hitting the steering wheel of a car or slamming doors.
• To think about an event or something for a longer period of time than normal , to be angry about it.
• Feeling like you can't control your anger .
• Scolding and yelling more often than usual.
• Being constantly irritable, frustrated , and feeling ``on edge`` over even the smallest things.
• Feeling like you can't deal with your emotions .

If you have ``Postpartum Rage'', you may feel angry, frustrated, and frustrated all the time. Some describe it as "feeling like you're on fire all the time" or "feeling like you want to throw a pillow and scream and take it out."

What are the causes of ``Postpartum Rage''?

Researchers are always discovering new things about postpartum (perinatal) mood disorders. There are several possible causes of postpartum rage. Some of them include:

• A sudden and rapid drop in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone .
• Having a personal or family history of depression or anxiety .
• Changes in sleep patterns (especially sleep deprivation - this has a big impact on new mothers).
• The new feelings and responsibilities that come with taking care of a baby.
• Changes in your body, lifestyle, or relationships.

Some studies have found that social and personal expectations about parenting can contribute to postpartum rage. For example, feeling like others are judging you for how you take care of your baby, feeling like you're not living up to your expectations as a mother, or feeling like you're struggling to cope with the responsibilities of being a mother. Think, "Your aunt told you she wasn't giving enough milk to the baby," or "You get angry when you can't do the housework your mother-in-law expects." These types of social pressures can also contribute to this.

Why do I get so angry after having a baby?

If you've been feeling angry or irritable after having a baby, you're not alone . Postpartum rage is common, and it can often co-occur with postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. It can also occur on its own. Your life will change so much in the weeks after having a baby, many of which are out of your control . Talk to your doctor about your feelings. Don't be ashamed of your feelings or try to hide them . Your doctor is there to listen to you and to help you get the treatment you need.

How to recognize `(Postpartum Rage)`?

Postpartum rage is not an official diagnosis in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR®). Doctors often consider postpartum rage a symptom of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) . Your pregnancy care providers will usually ask you screening questions about your postpartum mood, especially depression and anxiety. These are usually asked at your postpartum checkup. Your answers can help them decide if you need additional help or resources. They will also ask you questions about how you are doing and how you are adjusting to life with a new baby. Please be honest with them . They are there to help you and make sure you are getting the support you need. Your baby's pediatrician may also ask you questions to see if you are showing signs of depression, anxiety, or anger.

What are the treatments for `(Postpartum Rage)`?

Don't hesitate to tell your obstetrician or family doctor about your symptoms. They can help you decide what treatment is best for you based on your symptoms. Some treatment options include:

• Medication: Some medications, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), can help control your anger, or "take the edge off."
• Psychotherapy: This means meeting with a therapist to talk about what you are feeling and ways to cope with the situation can be very helpful.
• Support groups: Joining support groups with other new parents, whether online or in person, can help validate your feelings and help you realize that you are not alone.
• Lifestyle changes: Making small changes to your daily life can help you feel more like yourself again. For example, finding someone to babysit for a few hours a week so you can have some alone time, or asking your partner to feed the baby one night so you can get a little more sleep.

How to reduce the risk of ``Postpartum Rage''?

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing postpartum depression. Some of them include:

• Having a previous mental illness or depression.
• Lack of help and support from home. (This is something that affects us a lot in Sri Lanka. Support from husband and family is very important).
• Having a child with a disability or health problem.
• Having a difficult labor and delivery.
• Difficulties in caring for a baby, such as difficulty breastfeeding, frequent crying (colic), and not sleeping well.
• Other stressful life events like divorce, death of a loved one, loss of job.

It's not possible to completely prevent postpartum rage. However, you can take care of your feelings, especially if you have any of the risk factors mentioned above, and don't hesitate to ask for help.

How long does ``Postpartum Rage'' last?

There is no set time frame for your symptoms to go away. It depends on the severity of your condition and how you respond to treatment . One thing is for sure - postpartum mental health conditions are temporary . With support, treatment, and time, you will feel better.

How do I deal with this `(Postpartum Rage)` situation?

You are not alone, and it is normal to feel this way. Your doctor can help you find a treatment that works for you. Here are some things you can do to help yourself:

• Talk to someone who will listen to you and support you - it could be a counselor, a friend, or another close person.
• Try to prioritize self-care . It's hard when you're taking care of a new baby, but try to find a little time for yourself every day. Maybe it's just 15 minutes of tea.
• Try to get back into hobbies or other activities that you enjoyed before having a baby.
• Ask for help with household chores and outside work. Don't be afraid to ask for help or delegate tasks.
• Eat as nutritiously as possible, exercise, and take care of your body .
• Take time to understand what triggers your anger . Doing so will help you manage the situation.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have symptoms of ``Postpartum Rage'', such as intense anger and a feeling of being unable to control your anger, seek help from a doctor immediately . It's normal to feel a variety of emotions after having a baby, so don't be ashamed to ask for help or seek treatment. A mental health counselor, Talk to the doctor who saw you during your pregnancy, or your family doctor, and tell them how you are feeling. They can guide you to the support that is most appropriate for you. There are also government and private institutions in Sri Lanka that provide mental health services, and you can also call the national mental health helpline number 1926.

Is ``Postpartum Rage'' the same as ``Postpartum Psychosis''?

No, they are not the same. Postpartum psychosis is a very serious mental health emergency . It distorts a person's sense of reality, causing things like hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. People with postpartum psychosis are at a very high risk of harming themselves, committing suicide, or harming their children. Postpartum rage is not as serious as postpartum psychosis, and it does not include those symptoms.

What is the difference between `(Postpartum Rage)` and `(Postpartum Depression)`?

Postpartum Depression affects about 1 in 7 mothers who have given birth. People with Postpartum Depression may experience emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, extreme fatigue, guilt, and anxiety, and may find it difficult to care for their baby. People with Postpartum Rage often experience anger-related or similar emotions . Feelings of frustration, irritability, anger, and wanting to scream are common. Feelings of sadness or anxiety are not as common with Postpartum Rage, but they are common with Postpartum Depression (and both can occur together).

Can Bipolar Disorder occur after pregnancy?

Yes, doctors can diagnose bipolar disorder at any time, including after giving birth. If you have unusual mood swings (for example, suddenly feeling very high, suddenly feeling depressed, or vice versa) after having a baby, talk to your doctor right away . People with mental health conditions may be at risk for bipolar disorder after giving birth due to sleep disturbances and hormonal changes. Anger is a strong emotion. Feeling irritable, frustrated, and angry for a few weeks or months after having a baby can be a symptom of postpartum rage. If you find yourself getting angry over little things, wanting to scream or hit someone, please see a doctor for help. It's normal to feel a range of emotions as you adjust to life with a new baby. It's a big change, and it can be overwhelming. Remember, these feelings will pass, and there are treatments to help you feel like yourself again. Your doctor's role is to help you, not to judge you.

The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so now you have some understanding of what we've been talking about, ``Postpartum Rage.'' The most important things are these:

• You're not alone: ​​You're not alone in feeling this intense anger after having a baby. Many mothers go through this experience.
• This is not your fault: many things can affect this, such as hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and the pressure that comes with new responsibilities.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you feel overwhelmed or anxious, definitely talk to a doctor, counselor, or someone you trust.
• There are treatments: This condition can be managed with medication, counseling, support groups, and lifestyle changes.
• This is temporary: with the right support and treatment, you can get well again.
• If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek help immediately: This is very important.

As a new mom, you are doing a great job. It is so important that you take care of yourself. We wish you strength to get through this journey!