Postpartum depression, anxiety, and rage

Postpartum mood disorders are common. Whether you are navigating early motherhood, experienced infant loss or miscarriage, or are supporting someone who is struggling with a postpartum mood disorder, you are in the right place. Postpartum mood disorders can disrupt your life completely; emotionally, physically, mentally, and socially. Postpartum is an incredibly sensitive time. You deserve support.

Mother and baby holding hands

Common signs:

  • excessive crying

  • trouble sleeping and/or eating

  • brain fog

  • not feeling attached to your newborn

  • mood swings

  • constant worry and/or panic attacks

  • intrusive thoughts

  • fatigue

  • inability to find joy in things that used to make you happy

  • irritability, resentment, or anger towards self, newborn, partner, or others

Baby sleeping soundly in crib

Possible causes:

  • natural hormone shifts after childbirth

  • lack of sleep

  • nutritional depletion

  • lack of support

  • the stress of caring for a newborn

  • genetic/family history

  • traumatic birth

Mother holding her baby and smiling

Suggested treatment:

  • identifying and processing emotions and negative thought patterns

  • building supportive self-care tools

  • learning to self-advocate, ask for help, and set boundaries

  • mindfulness skills

  • processing your birth story and new identity as a mother

A note on postpartum psychosis (PPP)— if you’re experiencing hallucinations, confusion, or suicidal/homicidal ideation, please let your provider know as soon as possible. PPP can be dangerous, but is treatable when caught early.