Recognizing Postpartum Anxiety and Depression: Signs, Support, and Healing
By Growth Era Counseling & Wellness
Bringing a new baby into the world can be beautiful — but it can also be overwhelming.
If you’re feeling anxious, numb, irritable, or deeply sad after giving birth, you’re not failing as a parent. You might be experiencing postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression — and you are not alone.
At Growth Era Counseling & Wellness, we want to normalize what so many new parents experience silently. You deserve support, understanding, and healing — not shame or self-blame.
What Is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?
Postpartum Depression is a mood disorder that can develop any time within the first year after childbirth. It goes beyond the “baby blues,” which usually resolve in a few days to weeks.
Symptoms of PPD may include:
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Intense irritability or anger
Trouble bonding with your baby
Difficulty sleeping (even when the baby sleeps)
Changes in appetite
Thoughts of guilt, worthlessness, or “I’m not a good parent”
Intrusive or scary thoughts you don’t want to have
What Is Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)?
Postpartum Anxiety is less talked about but just as common as PPD. It involves overwhelming worry or fear — often about the baby’s safety or your ability to care for them.
Symptoms of PPA may include:
Constant racing thoughts or “what if” worries
Panic attacks or shortness of breath
Muscle tension or restlessness
Obsessive checking or controlling behaviors
Fear that something bad will happen, even when things seem fine
How Common Are These Experiences?
Very common.
An estimated 1 in 7 people experience postpartum depression
Postpartum anxiety affects about 10–15% of new parents — and many experience both together
These conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or whether this is your first child or fifth
Why Do Postpartum Mental Health Struggles Happen?
There are many reasons — none of which are your fault.
Some contributing factors include:
Hormonal changes after birth
Sleep deprivation and exhaustion
Physical recovery from childbirth
Identity shifts and life transitions
Lack of support or unrealistic expectations
Past trauma or mental health history
You’re not “weak” or “too emotional.” You’re a human adjusting to a major life change — and your nervous system is doing its best to keep up.
You Are Not Alone — And You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck
Many people suffer in silence, afraid they’ll be judged or told to “just enjoy the baby.” But the sooner you reach out, the sooner you can start feeling like yourself again.
Therapy can help you:
Make sense of what you’re feeling
Reduce shame and self-judgment
Learn tools to manage anxiety or depressive thoughts
Reconnect with yourself and your baby
Feel supported in a space that’s just for you
Growth Era Counseling & Wellness Is Here to Support You
We offer compassionate, supportive therapy for new parents navigating postpartum depression, anxiety, and the many emotional challenges that can come with birth and early parenting.
We understand that healing looks different for everyone. Whether you're seeking help weeks or months after birth, it's never too late to ask for support.
You don’t have to “tough it out.” You’re not broken. You’re not alone.
You’re worthy of care — just as you are.
Schedule a therapy consultation today!