Bringing a new baby into the world is often described as one of life’s most joyful moments- but for many new mothers, it also brings unexpected waves of anxiety. While postpartum depression has received more awareness in recent years, postpartum anxiety is still less understood and often goes undiagnosed.

As a psychologist specializing in maternal mental health, I want to help shed light on what postpartum anxiety looks like, why it happens, and what can help.

What Is Postpartum Anxiety?

Postpartum anxiety (PPA) is a type of anxiety that develops after the birth of a baby. It can begin shortly after delivery or appear gradually over the first year. Unlike the “baby blues,” which typically resolve within a couple of weeks, PPA is more intense and persistent.

Symptoms may include:

• Constant worry or racing thoughts

• Difficulty sleeping even when the baby is asleep

• Physical symptoms like a racing heart, dizziness, or nausea

• Feeling on edge, restless, or irritable

• Intrusive thoughts about harm coming to the baby

• A strong need to control routines or avoid leaving the baby with others

How Common Is It?

You’re not alone—about 1 in 5 new mothers experiences an anxiety disorder during or after pregnancy, according to the Postpartum Support International. In fact, postpartum anxiety may be just as common—if not more—than postpartum depression, yet it often goes unrecognized because the focus tends to be on mood symptoms rather than anxious ones.

Why Does It Happen?

Postpartum anxiety can be influenced by a variety of factors:

• Hormonal changes after childbirth

• Sleep deprivation

• Past or current history of anxiety

• Pressure to be a “perfect” parent

• Lack of support or overwhelming responsibilities

Often, moms feel ashamed of their anxiety, especially if others expect them to be enjoying every moment. But having anxiety doesn’t mean you’re not a good mother—it means you’re a human being adjusting to a huge life transition.

Tools to Cope with Postpartum Anxiety

The good news is that postpartum anxiety is treatable. Here are a few tools that can help:

1. Name it to tame it:

Recognizing and labeling your anxiety is the first step to managing it. Journaling or speaking with a therapist can help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings.

2. Breathing techniques and grounding exercises:

Simple breathwork (like inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4, exhaling for 6) or grounding tools (naming five things you see, four you can touch, etc.) can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.

3. Sleep support:

Prioritizing rest—even short naps or asking for help with night feeds—can have a huge impact on your mental health.

4. Say yes to help:

Asking for support isn’t a sign of weakness. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or postpartum doula, allowing others to step in helps lighten the load.

5. Therapy:

Working with a therapist trained in maternal mental health can provide a safe space to explore your anxiety and learn personalized coping strategies. Modalities like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) are evidence-based and effective in reducing anxiety symptoms.

Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling with constant worry, feeling overwhelmed, or finding it hard to enjoy this time, please know that you’re not failing—you’re adjusting. Postpartum anxiety is incredibly common and very real, and with the right support, it does get better.

If you’d like to learn more or explore therapy options, I’d be honored to walk alongside you during this season of motherhood.

It’s normal for kids to feel scared sometimes — fear of the dark, worry before a test, or nerves on the first day of school. But when anxiety starts to interfere with everyday life, it can be confusing, frustrating, and heartbreaking for parents to watch.

So how can you tell the difference between typical worries and something more?

Signs of Anxiety in Kids

Anxiety in children doesn’t always look like fear. It can show up as:

• Avoidance (refusing school, activities, or being alone)

• Physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches, fatigue)

• Irritability or meltdowns (especially in younger kids)

• Reassurance-seeking (“Will you be there the whole time?” “What if I mess up?”)

• Sleep struggles or constant worry before bed

Sometimes kids can’t explain what they’re feeling — they just know something feels “off” or overwhelming. And as a parent, it can feel impossible to know whether to push, comfort, or step back.

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety is shaped by a mix of temperament, environment, genetics, and life experiences. It’s no one’s fault. Some kids are naturally more sensitive or cautious. Others may have had early experiences that made them feel unsafe or uncertain.

The good news? Anxiety is highly treatable — and kids can learn tools to manage it with the right support.

How Therapy Can Help

In therapy, I help children:

• Understand and name their feelings

• Learn calming strategies and coping tools

• Face their fears in small, manageable steps (this is a core part of CBT and ERP for anxiety and OCD)

• Build confidence and emotional resilience

But we don’t stop there. Parents play a key role — and I work closely with you to understand what your child needs, and how your responses can support growth without feeding the anxiety.

In some cases, I use the SPACE model (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) — a parent-based approach that helps shift the dynamic, especially when kids are resistant to therapy or younger.

Final Thoughts

If your child is struggling with anxiety, you’re not alone — and there is help. Therapy is not about “fixing” your child. It’s about helping them (and you) feel more confident, connected, and capable of facing life’s challenges.

Want to learn more or see if therapy might be the right fit for your family?