Panic Attacks After Giving Birth
The postpartum period can be a difficult time for women. Many new mothers are aware of the possibility of the “baby blues” or postpartum depression. But lots of women are not informed about the risk of postpartum panic attacks. This condition often catches new mothers off guard at a time when they’re already struggling to find their footing.
If you’ve experienced panic attacks after giving birth, you might be scared of the thought of experiencing another one. Panic attacks can hold you back from taking care of your responsibilities and enjoying these first few months with your baby. These tips can help you address postpartum panic attacks and find valuable sources of support.
Before you dive in, remember that our professionals are always here to help
Possible Causes
Panic attacks are a severe response to the fear and distress that lots of mothers experience as they navigate this complicated transitional time in life. What causes postpartum panic attacks? Unfortunately, the causes are not well understood, but there are often multiple factors that contribute to this condition. For example, panic attacks could be a result of the hormone drop that women experience after giving birth. Furthermore, lots of women harbor fears about their capabilities as parents and the well-being of their children.
Symptoms
Postpartum panic attacks are characterized by extreme fear, distress, and anxiety that leads to a physical reaction. An individual might experience chest pain, shallow breathing, an increased heart rate, and an overwhelming feeling of impending doom. Panic attacks can occur at any time, whether at home or in public, and they can be frequent or sporadic.
However, living with panic attacks can be debilitating, even if they don’t occur often. A new mother who deals with panic attacks might have trouble keeping up with her responsibilities, especially when it comes to working or running errands outside the home. The fear of having a panic attack in public can be a barrier to living a healthy, productive lifestyle.
Lean on Your Support Network
Many new mothers experience such deep feelings of fear and anxiety because they lack a robust support system. Today, when families often live far apart, and it can be hard to find childcare, it’s difficult for mothers to get the help they need. If you’ve been dealing with panic attacks, start by talking to your partner about areas where you could use more assistance. Discuss tasks they could take on to allow you some more downtime while you focus on healing. You can also reach out to your local relatives and friends to see who could pitch in to help you out.
Beneficial Lifestyle Changes
A lack of sleep can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and raise your risk for panic attacks. It can be challenging for new mothers to get enough sleep, and at times, it’s practically impossible. But you can work with your partner to better manage your sleep schedule. If you have room in your budget, you could also consider hiring a night nurse for extra help. Furthermore, reducing your caffeine intake and taking walks with your baby during the day can all help lower your anxiety levels.
Seek Professional Help
Finally, if you’ve been living with postpartum panic attacks, it’s important to start looking for a therapist who specializes in working with new parents. They can help you understand your condition, recognize your strengths as a parent, and identify and implement healthy, realistic coping strategies for your situation. Postpartum panic attacks can be quite severe, so professional help through therapy is often necessary.
Are you suffering from postpartum panic attacks? Talking to a therapist can help. Reach out to us to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.
