It can be confusing to know if you’re dealing with postpartum anxiety, and some common scenarios that cause anxiety may surprise you. This postpartum anxiety quiz can help.
We hear a lot about postpartum depression but not much about postpartum anxiety.
Recent studies have found this Only 20% of OBGYNs screen for postpartum anxiety, so it is up to you to share your symptoms with your doctor. They probably won’t ask.
So how do you know? You probably had some weird moments of panic or worry when you were pregnant, but don’t all moms go through a little bit of that in the beginning?
Sure, but learning to tell the difference between average anxiety levels and postpartum anxiety can be important in your new life with a child.
A quick and easy postpartum anxiety quiz
If you’re wondering if you might be dealing with postpartum anxiety, see if you can relate to any of the scenarios below.
Remember, this test is not fool-proof or intended to diagnose postpartum anxiety. It also doesn’t account for every situation or scenario that could lead to postpartum anxiety, but it can help to start a conversation with someone who can support you.
First situation:
A few weeks ago, you lovingly placed your baby on the changing table, but you let go too soon, and they hit their head on the wooden side. The crying was so intense that you cried too – and even scheduled a doctor’s visit to make sure everything was OK.
Since then, you’ve moved on to changing them on the soft, carpeted floor of their bedroom. Last weekend you ditched the changing table in the room entirely, opting for the safety of the floor and a soft foam mat.
Second situation:
Every time you take your baby in the car, you have a routine that – for safety – first move the base, check the level, press down and tighten the straps nice and tight, then click the carrier onto the base and check the placement of the straps on their little chests based on the safety standards you have learned by heart.
Then wiggle the whole seat again, then go to the front seat. You’re religious about your safety checks and never click your carrier until you’ve done the routine, even if you’ve checked three times that day.
Third situation:
You love to play with your baby in the sun, so you move most of their toys into the living room, including a travel crib for sleeping. It’s easier than going up and down the stairs alone at home.
So many things can happen – you’ve had nightmares, disturbing visions, and intrusive thoughts of slipping while holding your little one. Nope, better to stay downstairs while your partner is at work.
A closer look at postpartum anxiety
These scenarios show mothers doing just that. Because, that’s in the job description. However, the anxiety is there a funny way of weaving into our everyday the tasks.
It can suddenly appeared in a strong gust of emotion or subtle in how you go about your day while keeping your eye on everything. if you feeling out of control in yourself or around you, it is anxiety.
If you are making significant changes to your routine or around because of this reduced control, it’s a good sign that it’s time to check in with your doctor.
Dr. Laura Froyen, Ph.D. it says something, “If you find yourself struggling with sleep, your thoughts or heart rate, over-researching every sound your child makes, feeling paralyzed by the need to make a decision, unable to cope with the weight of your new daily routines, or feeling guilty or worried that you’re going to be a terrible parent, those are all signs that getting support might be right for you.”
Common signs of postpartum anxiety
Postpartum anxiety can manifest itself in many ways, from panic attacks to obsessive thinking and compulsive behavior, to worse symptoms of post-traumatic stress such as intrusive thoughts and complete shutdown of the nervous system.
said Dr. Laura, “Extreme flare-ups of anger at yourself or even your child can also be a common unseen sign that a parent is experiencing some mood swings after becoming a parent.”
How to get support for postpartum anxiety
Once you’ve identified how you’re experiencing anxiety individually, it’s time to contact your OB, tell them what’s going on, and get help.
It is common to have a mix of both postpartum depression and anxiety simultaneously. Feelings of inadequacy, sadness, and unmotivated behavior over a long period of time are your first clues that it might be depression.
Feelings of panic, increased worry or changes in behavior due to fear, or uncontrollable thoughts are your first signs of anxiety.
If you are interested in more help before you contact your doctor, I suggest starting with Hello Postpartum Mental Health Guideand when you’re ready, you can ask your OB for a referral or find a therapist online. Bonus points if your therapist carries the PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certification) designation.
A tip from Dr. Laura on finding the right therapist for your needs, “When seeking support, it is important to find someone with experience and expertise in perinatal mood disorders. Look for therapists who use the term “transition to parenthood” to find people who want to work with new parents.”
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