Anxiety - a postpartum buzz word.

What is the difference between “normal” anxiety and when is it a cause for concern?

-Natalie

Dear Natalie,

Here’s the tricky thing about anxiety (or any postpartum mental health struggle): you are truly the only and best judge for yourself as far as what is normal or not. Have you always functioned with some anxiety? Have you learned ways to cope? Have you been on SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; antidepressants) prior to now? These are all important factors for figuring out what might or might not feel “normal”. It is entirely relative to you and you alone.

Sometimes, in the immediate postpartum period (and possibly even prenatally, in the lead up to your baby’s arrival), one’s ability to judge this can get murky. Frankly, our society’s definition of “postpartum” is far too limited in duration. Feelings of anxiety can crop up months after your baby is born.

The bottom line in my eyes, is that if the anxiety you’re experiencing is feeling in any way not good for you (even if it’s something you could have managed at a different time in your life), that is valid and you don’t have to endure it. Even if it seems “normal” (according to whom?). You are the most important judge of your own emotional state. So, if you feel crappy and riddled with anxiety, even if by some external measurement it is “normal”, seek some help to manage it.

Disclaimer: I am a certified postpartum doula (DONA International) with 5+ years of experience and also a mother of three. This is not medical or psychological advice. Please seek medical and/or psychological care where appropriate.