Having a baby, can cause anxiety? what can help?

  I was asked by a work colleague (I am lucky enough to share my workspace with Osteopath’s which makes for a wonderful emotionally supportive environment), about post-natal anxiety and if it was something I can treat, some-time ago, I thought writing a little blog might be useful.  Postnatal anxiety is a type of anxiety that occurs after a woman gives birth, typically within the first year. It is characterized by persistent worries, fear, and intrusive thoughts about the well-being of the baby, the mother's ability to care for the baby, and the challenges of parenting. This can lead to a range of symptoms, such as insomnia, restlessness, irritability, panic attacks, and physical symptoms like headaches and stomach problems.

 Therapy can be helpful in treating postnatal anxiety by addressing the underlying causes of the anxiety and developing healthy coping strategies to manage symptoms. Therapy can also provide a safe and supportive space for new mothers to process their emotions and concerns, learn effective parenting strategies, and connect with others experiencing similar challenges. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are two common approaches that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of postnatal anxiety. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy can help with postnatal anxiety and depression by addressing any traumatic experiences that may have occurred during pregnancy, childbirth, or early motherhood. These traumatic experiences can contribute to the development of anxiety and depression symptoms in new mothers.

   During EMDR therapy, the therapist targets negative emotions and beliefs related to traumatic experiences and works to desensitize and reprocess these experiences. This can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms and improve your overall mental health. EMDR therapy can also help new mothers develop coping skills and increase their sense of control over their lives. This can be particularly beneficial for those who may feel overwhelmed or powerless due to the demands of new motherhood.

Overall, EMDR therapy can be a useful tool in treating postnatal anxiety and depression by addressing the root causes of these conditions and helping new mothers regain a sense of balance and control in their lives, I have treated many new mothers over the years and can testify to this!

DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy) skills can be helpful in the treatment of postnatal anxiety and depression by providing women with coping strategies to manage and reduce distress.

Here are some ways DBT skills can help:

·       Mindfulness: Mindfulness skills help individuals to stay present in the moment and avoid getting lost in anxious or negative thoughts. This can help women with postnatal anxiety and depression reduce their anxiety and become more aware of their emotions and thoughts.

·       Distress tolerance: Distress tolerance skills help individuals to cope when they are feeling overwhelmed or distressed. This can be helpful for women with postnatal anxiety and depression who may experience intense emotions and find it difficult to regulate them.

·       Emotion regulation: Emotion regulation skills help individuals to learn how to manage and control their emotions. This can be helpful for women with postnatal anxiety and depression who may feel overwhelmed by the emotions they are experiencing.

·       Interpersonal effectiveness: Interpersonal effectiveness skills help individuals to communicate and interact with others in a more effective way. This can be helpful for women with postnatal anxiety and depression who may feel isolated or have difficulty communicating with partners, family members, or even healthcare providers.

Overall, DBT skills can provide women with practical tools to manage their emotions, reduce distress, and improve communication and relationships. By learning and using these skills, women with postnatal anxiety and depression can feel more empowered and in control of their mental health.

So, what about EFT?

EFT (Emotional freedom technique) may help with postnatal anxiety or depression by addressing any underlying emotional issues that may be contributing to these conditions. EFT involves tapping on specific acupressure points on the body while focusing on specific negative emotions or thoughts, which may help to release emotional blockages and promote emotional healing.

For postnatal anxiety or depression, EFT may help to address feelings of worry, guilt, or overwhelm that often accompany these conditions. By tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on these negative emotions, individuals may be able to release the emotional blockages that are contributing to their anxiety or depression.

In addition to addressing emotional issues, EFT may also help to reduce physical symptoms associated with postnatal anxiety or depression, such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension. By releasing emotional blockages and promoting relaxation, EFT may help to alleviate these physical symptoms and promote overall wellness.

Overall, EFT may be a useful tool for individuals experiencing postnatal anxiety or depression, as it may help to address both emotional and physical symptoms of these conditions.

Get in touch if you want some support, or are struggling with this.