Why Some New Mothers Struggle with Postpartum Anxiety or Postpartum OCD Share This article While the birth of a baby brings tremendous joy to new parents, it can also bring stress. Sleep deprivation and other issues can take their toll, especially on the mother. Two mental health challenges that often go unnoticed and untreated are postpartum anxiety and postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder.
When Renee Mandy became a mother, she wondered whether her constant worry about her baby's safety was normal. "Always wanting to make sure she was breathing okay, head was positioned okay, when we were out in public I was very cautious about if we went into crowded areas," she told CBN News. Her negative thoughts began to overwhelm her.
"Something's wrong, something's wrong, something's going to happen, something's going to happen. But at just a very exaggerated level to where it was hindering everyday life," she said. Postpartum Anxiety Renee sought help from Dr.
Jenny Yip, psychologist and author of the book Hello Baby, Goodbye Intrusive Thoughts , who diagnosed Renee with postpartum anxiety. "This is when women feel like they're constantly worrying," Dr. Yip told CBN News.
"They're ruminating about possible catastrophes and obviously that would interfere with your functioning." Dr. Yip says managing this condition involves talking through fears and minimizing expectations combined with a proper diet, exercise, and sleep, when possible.
Renee said this approach helps relieve her anx.