What Does Postpartum Anxiety Really Feel Like?
Introduction
Most people have heard of postpartum depression, but postpartum anxiety is just as real and just as distressing. It’s often hidden behind the phrase, “I’m just being careful,” or dismissed as typical new mom worry. But when that worry becomes constant, overwhelming, or physically exhausting, it’s more than just new parent stress.
At Support Me Psychotherapy, we meet many women who didn’t realize what they were experiencing had a name. This blog is for you, if you are wondering whether your fears, racing thoughts, or physical tension after birth might be postpartum anxiety. We’ll help you understand the signs, what it actually feels like, and how therapy can help you feel calm and in control again.
What Is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) that occurs after childbirth. It can show up on its own or alongside postpartum depression. Many new parents describe feeling like they are always waiting for something to go wrong, even if nothing actually has.
This condition can begin within days or weeks of giving birth. In some cases, it may take months to appear. It is more common in women who have:
A previous history of anxiety or panic
Experienced postpartum depression or anxiety after a previous pregnancy
Gone through a traumatic birth or NICU stay
A baby with medical complications
A lack of social or emotional support
Postpartum anxiety is real, and it deserves attention and care just like any other postpartum condition.
How Does It Actually Feel?
Postpartum anxiety is often misunderstood because it does not always present as obvious distress. Many mothers become skilled at hiding their discomfort behind routines and responsibilities. But inside, they are struggling with a nervous system that never turns off.
Here are common emotional and physical symptoms of postpartum anxiety:
Emotional Symptoms
Persistent worry, even when things seem fine
Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating
Irritability or constant fear
Feeling like you are “failing” or doing something wrong
Intrusive thoughts about your baby’s safety
Physical Symptoms
Trouble sleeping, even when your baby sleeps
Feeling tense or wired all the time
Dizziness, nausea, or rapid heartbeat
Restlessness or an inability to relax
Muscle tightness, headaches, or shallow breathing
Some women describe it as feeling like they are “on alert” all day, even in quiet moments. Others say they feel exhausted but cannot stop moving. These are signs that the body and mind are stuck in survival mode.
It Is Not Just First Time Parents
Postpartum anxiety can affect any parent, regardless of how many children they have. You might experience it after your second or third child, especially if previous births were stressful or if current life circumstances are more demanding.
At Support Me Psychotherapy, we have worked with mothers who felt deeply confused about why they were suddenly anxious after having a relatively easy delivery. The truth is, postpartum anxiety can emerge for many reasons, and each journey is valid.
The Difference Between Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression
These conditions often overlap, but there are important differences.
Postpartum depression tends to involve sadness, hopelessness, lack of energy, and disconnection from your baby.
Postpartum anxiety, on the other hand, often looks like:
Constant worrying or obsessive checking
Panic attacks or physical tension
Fear of leaving the baby or letting others help
Difficulty sitting still or feeling present
You can have both conditions at the same time. Therapy can help you sort through what you are feeling and develop the tools to manage both.
How Therapy Helps Postpartum Anxiety
If you are experiencing postpartum anxiety, know that it is not your fault and that you are not alone. Therapy can be a powerful step toward reclaiming your peace, improving your sleep, and helping you feel like yourself again.
Here are some of the ways therapy supports recovery:
1. Nervous System Regulation
Anxiety is deeply tied to how the body processes stress. In therapy, we teach nervous system calming techniques that help reduce physical tension and bring a sense of control back to your body.
These include:
Breathwork for calming the heart rate
Grounding exercises to stay in the present moment
Somatic techniques to release stored tension
🔗 Internal Link: Emotional Healing & Trauma Recovery
2. Thought Restructuring
When you are anxious, your thoughts often spiral. Therapy helps you identify unhelpful thought patterns and gently challenge them.
You’ll learn how to:
Catch and reframe intrusive thoughts
Notice what triggers your anxiety
Respond with compassion instead of fear
You do not have to stop your thoughts entirely. Therapy helps you relate to them in a calmer, healthier way.
3. Processing Your Birth Story
Postpartum anxiety is sometimes rooted in unresolved feelings about the birth experience. Whether you felt powerless, unsupported, or overwhelmed, therapy offers space to process what happened and release lingering fear.
We help you explore how your past may be influencing your present, without judgment.
🔗 Internal Link: Pregnancy & Postpartum Mental Health
4. Rebuilding Confidence and Identity
Many women say they “don’t feel like themselves anymore.” Motherhood can be disorienting, and anxiety only intensifies that feeling. Therapy helps you reconnect with who you are—not just as a parent, but as a person.
You’ll build confidence, set boundaries, and re-establish a sense of self that feels grounded and strong.
Gentle Reminders If You’re Struggling Right Now
You are not doing anything wrong by feeling this way
Needing help does not make you weak
Anxiety is not your identity, it is a signal that something needs attention
You deserve to feel calm, safe, and supported
If therapy feels too far away right now, try one small act of care. Write down one thing that went okay today. Take three slow breaths. Say to yourself, “I am safe right now.”
When to Seek Help
You do not need to wait until things get worse. If you are thinking, “Is this normal?” that is already enough reason to reach out.
Book a session if:
You are constantly worrying and cannot relax
You are struggling to sleep or eat
You avoid leaving the house or being alone with your baby
You feel like you are not coping, even if others say you are doing fine
We Are Here for You
At Support Me Psychotherapy, we provide:
Virtual therapy across Ontario
Trauma-informed care tailored to women and mothers
Support for anxiety, depression, identity shifts, and more
Sessions that are covered by most extended health benefits
You do not have to do this alone. We believe your healing matters.
Book your free 30-minute consultation and let’s talk about what support could look like for you.