Feeling overwhelmed? It could be postnatal anxiety

Becoming a new parent is a time of great joy and excitement, but it can also be a period of anxiety and stress.

Antenatal and postnatal anxiety, or perinatal anxiety, is a common experience that affects many new mothers and fathers and is not talked about as often as postnatal depression. It is characterized by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness that can interfere with daily activities and sleep in the postpartum period. 

Antenatal anxiety and postnatal or postpartum anxiety disorder can manifest in different ways and can include the following signs and symptoms:

• Constant worrying about the baby’s health and safety - Hypervigilance- Excessive fear or obsessive thoughts about harm coming to the baby

• Feeling on edge or irritable

• Difficulty sleeping, even when the baby is sleeping

• Racing thoughts or a sense of being overwhelmed

• Physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, or nausea

• Panic attacks

• Difficulty breastfeeding

• Avoiding social situations or isolating oneself

• Feeling disconnected from the baby 

• Feeling inadequacy or guilt as a parent

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Feeling hopeless or helpless

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Changes in mood, including depression or anger

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism. 

It is important to note that postnatal anxiety is different from the “baby blues,” which is a common condition that affects up to 80% of new mothers in the first few weeks after giving birth. Baby blues typically involves mood swings, tearfulness, and feelings of sadness, but these symptoms usually go away on their own within a few weeks.

Postnatal anxiety, on the other hand, can persist for months or even years if left untreated. It can impact a new parent’s ability to bond with their child and enjoy this special time in their lives. It is noteworthy that postnatal anxiety should not be confused with the "baby blues," a prevalent condition that affects approximately 80% of new mothers within the first few weeks of giving birth. The baby blues typically involve emotional fluctuations, tearfulness, and feelings of sadness, but these symptoms generally subside on their own within a short duration. However, postnatal anxiety can linger for several months or even years if not addressed properly. It can impair a new parent's capacity to develop a bond with their child and relish this unique period in their lives. 

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a risk factor for perinatal anxiety, including postnatal anxiety. Women with GAD have an increased risk of experiencing anxiety symptoms during pregnancy and after childbirth. Perinatal anxiety can have a negative impact on a mother's mental health, as well as her relationship with her child and partner. It is important for women with GAD who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to discuss their mental health with their healthcare provider and seek appropriate treatment and support. TRTP can be a helpful tool for addressing the underlying causes of anxiety and trauma, empowering women with GAD to approach pregnancy and motherhood with more calm and confidence. Perinatal anxiety, which includes postnatal anxiety, is a concern for individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Pregnant women with GAD are at an increased risk of experiencing anxiety symptoms that may continue after childbirth. Such anxiety can profoundly affect a mother's mental health, as well as her bond with her child and partner. Therefore, it becomes imperative for women with GAD to seek appropriate treatment and support, and discuss their mental health with healthcare professionals if they are expecting or planning a pregnancy. TRTP may also be an effective tool for addressing underlying causes of anxiety and trauma to enable women with GAD to face pregnancy and motherhood with greater serenity and confidence. 

TRTP, or The Richards Trauma Process, is a form of therapy that was developed by Judith Richards to help individuals overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma.

TRTP uses a unique approach that focuses on removing the emotional triggers associated with past events and experiences. By addressing the underlying causes of postnatal anxiety, TRTP can help new parents overcome their fears and worries, allowing them to enjoy the first few months of parenthood to the fullest. TRTP works by helping individuals access their innate healing mechanisms through guided relaxation and visualization. The therapist helps the individual identify the triggers that are causing the anxiety and works to remove them through a series of steps that promote self-awareness and emotional regulation. By addressing the underlying causes of postnatal anxiety, TRTP can help new parents feel more relaxed, settled, and confident in their abilities as parents. One of the unique benefits of TRTP is that it is a fast-acting therapy that produces long-lasting results. Unlike other therapies that may take years to produce results, TRTP can often bring relief within just a few sessions. This can be particularly beneficial for new parents who are struggling with anxiety and need to find a solution quickly. In conclusion, postnatal anxiety can be a challenging experience for new parents, but it doesn't have to be a permanent one. TRTP offers a solution that can help remove the emotional triggers associated with anxiety, allowing new parents to enjoy the first few months of parenthood to the fullest. If you're struggling with postnatal anxiety, consider giving TRTP a try and see how it can help you feel more relaxed, settled, and confident as a parent.  The fact that TRTP is also available through online one-on-one sessions with Fantastic Futures means that new parents who seek help can access this therapy from the comfort of their own homes, without having to worry about travel, alternatively for those local to the Sunshine Coast there are face-to-face opportunities also.

In addition to these treatments, there are many self-care strategies that can help manage postnatal anxiety, including:

• Getting enough sleep

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet

• Exercising regularly

• Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation

• Reaching out to friends and family for support

• Joining a support group for new parents

If you or someone you know is experiencing postnatal anxiety, it is important to ask for help as soon as possible, no matter the severity of symptoms. This condition is treatable, and with the right support, new parents can learn to manage their anxiety and enjoy this special time in their lives.