Understanding the Differences Between Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum OCD for New Mothers

The journey into motherhood isn't always an easy one. While it is often filled with incredible joy and new memories, it can also bring about an array of physical and mental health challenges. Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum OCD are two common concerns that can appear during the postpartum period. Understanding how they differ is crucial for new mothers who want to seek help and support.

While Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum OCD have considerable overlap, including immense levels of anxiety, they actually require different treatment approaches. Knowing the differences is vital in order for you to receive effective care as soon as possible (and bonus, both disorders are very treatable when receiving accurate treatment!). Here's a break down of the differences in these mental health challenges and what to do next if you think you may be experiencing one.

What is Postpartum Anxiety?

Postpartum anxiety is marked by a heightened level of anxiety that lasts longer than the typical "baby blues" phase, which usually resolves within two weeks after childbirth. New mothers might feel an overpowering sense of worry about their responsibilities, their newborn's health, and their own ability to parent effectively.

These worries are related to real life but when Postpartum Anxiety is at hand, you might find yourself in a persistent state of dread. For example, a mother might excessively worry about her baby's feeding or sleeping patterns, fearing she is not doing it right, which can lead to sleepless nights.

Moms dealing with postpartum anxiety usually won't display significant avoidance or compulsive behaviors. Instead, they may constantly feel tension and nervousness. Physical symptoms are often present as well, such as difficulty sleeping, feeling irritable, or consistently tearful.

While it's normal to experience increased stress and anxiety levels during this major life transition, if your anxiety levels are starting impact your ability to stay present, are leading to isolation and withdrawal, or is simply much bigger than your norm, it's a great idea to seek additional support.

What is Postpartum OCD?

When the onset of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder occurs during or after pregnancy, this is referred to as Perinatal or Postpartum OCD. It is characterized by unwanted intrusive thoughts which cause significant distress and anxiety. For new moms, these thoughts frequently revolve around fears of harming their baby, either on purpose or accidentally, harm coming to their baby from external sources, or acting inappropriately towards their baby. However, some moms experience obsessions that extend beyond parenthood, such as contamination or morality concerns.

For instance, a parent might suffer from recurring thoughts about accidentally dropping their baby down the stairs. This might lead them to check their grip on the baby multiple times, despite knowing that her thoughts are irrational. Other examples of common intrusive thoughts are fear of throwing baby on purpose, touching them inappropriately while changing their diaper, or being hit by a car while on a walk with baby.

There is truly no limit to the potential content of the intrusive thoughts. However, a key point is that these thoughts go against a person's desires, intents, and values (hence the terrible anxiety these thoughts cause). Compulsions kick in as a means to reduce the anxiety. These can look like excessively checking your baby is breathing, reassuring yourself that you wouldn't cause harm to your baby, or repeatedly seeking reassurance from a loved one that you're a good mom.

Recognizing these intrusive thoughts is crucial as they differ from typical parental worries and can lead to more severe distress and difficulty functioning. While most parents experience unwanted thoughts, it's when they bring big levels of anxiety and time consuming compulsions that red flags are waving. The good news is treatment is very effective for OCD, but it is vital to receive targeted treatment as some therapy approaches can worsen symptoms of Postpartum OCD.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Though postpartum anxiety and postpartum OCD can present similar symptoms, recognizing their unique characteristics is important for effective treatment.

Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety

• Persistent worry about daily activities, often feeling overwhelmed

• Difficulty concentrating or making everyday decisions

• Physical signs such as fatigue, irritability, and restlessness

• Sleep disturbances, even when the baby sleeps well

  
  

Symptoms of Postpartum OCD

• Intrusive and distressing thoughts that go against your values

• Compulsions, such as frequent checking on the baby or seeking reassurance from others

• Avoidance of situations that might trigger these intrusive thoughts

• Significant distress when compulsive behaviors cannot be performed

  
  

Understanding these symptoms empowers mothers to identify whether they are facing Postpartum Anxiety or Postpartum OCD and seek the necessary help.

The Impact of These Conditions

Both Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum OCD have a significant impact on the wellbeing of new parents. The intense anxiety levels often make it difficult to care for themselves, leading to isolation and depressed mood. Guilt and shame also tend to explode with these disorders.

In short, it's not "all in your head" and it's not "normal." Something can absolutely be a common challenge but that doesn't mean it's one you have to just grin and bear.

Seeking Help and Treatment Options

New mothers who experience symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety or Postpartum OCD should reach out for professional help. Both conditions can benefit from various therapeutic approaches, with postpartum OCD requiring more specialized treatments.

Therapy Approaches for Postpartum Anxiety

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (an offshoot of CBT): Focuses on changing your relationship to anxiety.

• Mindfulness Techniques: Introduces noticing a thought or sensation without labeling it as negative.

• Support Groups: Provide connection with other mothers enduring similar challenges, fostering a sense of community.

  
  

Therapy Approaches for Postpartum OCD

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Gradually exposes mothers to situations that elicit fear while teaching them to manage the urge to perform compulsive behaviors.

• Inference-Based CBT: Targets faulty logic that comes with OCD and helps moms understand the difference between an obsessional doubt and a reasonable doubt.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages mothers to accept their thoughts rather than fight against them, helping to reduce their impact.

  
  

Both Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum OCD respond really well to targeted therapy. With access to the right support, new mothers can regain their peace of mind and get back to being present with their families.

Embracing Support in Motherhood

If you've connected with some of the examples in this post, that's a great sign you could benefit from speaking with a therapist or your OBGYN about your mental health. Remember, you are not alone, and the right resources are available to nurture your mental well-being during this transition to parenthood.

I'd love to hear more about your journey to motherhood. Reach out today to schedule your free 15 minute consult call!

All my best,

Lauren