Do you also feel anxious and scared after having a baby? Let's talk about Postpartum Anxiety!

It's normal for new parents to feel a little stressed or anxious about the arrival of a new baby. These feelings often subside as they get to know their baby and get used to their routine. But for some, this anxiety continues to build, not diminish. It can become so overwhelming that it makes it difficult to care for their baby. That's what we're talking about today.

What is Postpartum Anxiety?

Simply put, it can be broken down into two types. We call anxiety that occurs at any time from pregnancy to about a year after the baby is born ``Perinatal Anxiety``. If it occurs during pregnancy, it is called ``Prenatal Anxiety``, and if it occurs after the baby is born, it is called ``Postpartum Anxiety``.

This anxiety is not something that comes from a single cause. The stress and fear that comes with it are difficult to control. Sometimes these feelings can arise for no reason at all. Also, it doesn't get better on its own. According to surveys, 1 in 7 new mothers and 1 in 10 fathers experience this ``Postpartum Anxiety'' condition. This means that it is much more common than we think.

Many people have heard of `(Postpartum Depression)` or depression that occurs after childbirth. In fact, some of the symptoms of `(Postpartum Anxiety)` are similar to the symptoms of depression. Over time, these mental changes can become more severe. Many new parents are afraid or embarrassed to tell anyone that they are feeling this way. Because everyone thinks that having a baby is something they should be happy about. So many people are reluctant to say that they are feeling a lot of anxiety or fear at such a time.

Some people may experience both Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression. They may also exhibit behaviors similar to those of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It is still being researched how these conditions are related.

What are the symptoms of postpartum anxiety?

This anxiety can cause you to experience both physical and mental symptoms. Think about things like, 'Will something happen to my baby?', 'Will I take good care of my baby?' Your body is reacting this way because you're afraid for your baby's safety. Many new mothers describe this as a "going crazy" feeling, a feeling of not being able to control the thoughts that are racing through your mind.

Why does this situation occur? What are the reasons?

There is no single cause for this, but several. According to doctors, the main reason is the hormonal changes that occur in your body after childbirth. After having a baby, your body's hormone levels suddenly drop rapidly. This can directly affect your mental state, that is, your mood. And these hormonal changes can cause you to overreact even when you feel a little stressed.

Another important thing is sleep. It can be hard to get enough sleep when you're taking care of a newborn. Lack of sleep also makes you more susceptible to stress. These stressors can be the normal things you face as a new parent. For example, things like breastfeeding, pregnancy or childbirth, or certain stages of your baby's development.

Risk factors

Some people are at higher risk of developing this condition. If these things apply to you, you are at higher risk:

• If anyone in your family has had anxiety-related conditions in the past.
• If you have personally had anxiety or depression before.
• If you had a difficult pregnancy or childbirth.
• If you have previously lost a child or had a miscarriage.
• If you have had to take care of several children at the same time.
• If you have been subjected to any psychological trauma or abuse during your childhood or later in life.
• Being a woman is also a risk factor.

How does a doctor diagnose this?

If you experience any of the symptoms we discussed above, it's important to talk to your doctor right away. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and may also ask you to complete a questionnaire about your symptoms.

Since there is no specific blood test to diagnose this condition, what you say will help your doctor understand you better and determine the best treatment. Remember, this is much more common than you think.

What are the treatments for this?

Both `Postpartum Anxiety` and `Postpartum Depression` can be completely cured with treatment. There are several options for this. You can talk to your doctor and choose the best treatment method for you.

• For mild cases: If the situation is not too severe, the doctor suggests some ways you can ease your mind at home. One is to get more sleep and get support . If you can give the baby to your husband or family for a while so you can rest, that will be very helpful. Also, joining support groups for new parents can be a great help to avoid loneliness.

• For more severe cases: If the condition is more severe, your doctor may recommend talk therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) . CBT is a very effective treatment for conditions like anxiety and OCD.

• Medication: Some people may need medication to help manage their anxiety. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medications. Many people find that these medications work best when combined with therapies like CBT.

Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum Depression, Mental Health, New Moms, After Having a Baby, Anxiety Treatment