Becoming a parent can be a joyous experience but it can also bring challenges, especially when it comes to mental health. It’s completely normal to experience a range of emotions when you become a parent and you might find that anxiety levels may be higher than usual once your little one arrives. However, it’s important to understand when anxiety crosses a threshold from typical worries to something that may require professional help.
New parents can find it hard to talk about negative feelings because they feel under pressure to be happy and think that everyone else is doing fine. But postnatal anxiety is a common mental health condition that needs treatment. According to NHS data around 1 in 5 women experience mental health issues during pregnancy or in the year following birth.
On this week’s blog we’re looking at when to seek professional help for anxiety and we’ll also signpost you to people who can help if you feel you could use some support.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Everyone feels anxious sometimes, but some people find it hard to control their worries. If anxiety is impacting your life speak to your midwife, GP or health visitor who will be able to signpost you to local services who can provide non-judgemental help and support.
It can be hard to understand anxiety if you’ve never experienced it. Think about that feeling in your tummy when you’re balancing on the two back legs of a chair and you suddenly feel it’s about to fall. Or imagine you’re sitting in a room and lion walks in. Anxiety manifests in different ways in different people but it can be completely debilitating for some.
Understanding Postnatal Anxiety
Postnatal anxiety can present differently in individuals, but common symptoms include:
- Persistent Worry: Constantly feeling anxious or worried about the baby’s health, safety, or your ability to care for them.
- Physical Symptoms: Such as racing heart, sweating, dizziness, or feeling like you can’t catch your breath.
- Difficulty Sleeping: Even when the baby is sleeping, you may find it hard to relax or fall asleep.
- Intrusive Thoughts: Thoughts that disturb you, such as harm coming to your baby or yourself, despite no real intent.
When is Anxiety ‘Normal’?
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or anxious as you adjust to parenthood. The first few weeks or months can be particularly challenging as you settle into new routines and responsibilities. Many new parents experience moments of doubt or worry, but these feelings often lessen over time as confidence grows and support networks strengthen.
Up to 20% of new mothers experience mental health problems during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth:
– According to NHS data, around 1 in 5 women (20%) experience mental health issues during pregnancy or in the year following childbirth. This includes a range of conditions, from depression to anxiety.
[Source: NHS England]
Around 10% of new fathers also experience postnatal depression or anxiety:
– Research shows that approximately 1 in 10 fathers experience postnatal depression or anxiety. The mental health of new fathers has gained increasing attention in recent years.
[Source: National Childbirth Trust]
Approximately 15-20% of new mothers experience postpartum anxiety:
– Research published by The Royal College of Psychiatrists highlights that postpartum anxiety affects between 15-20% of women during the first year after childbirth.
[Source: Royal College of Psychiatrists]
When to Seek Professional Help
While some anxiety is expected, it’s important to recognise when it becomes excessive or begins to interfere with daily life. Consider seeking professional help if:
- Symptoms Persist: If anxiety is persistent and doesn’t seem to improve over time.
- Impact on Daily Functioning: If anxiety interferes with your ability to care for yourself or your baby, or if you’re avoiding activities due to worry.
- Physical Symptoms Intensify: Severe panic attacks or physical symptoms that are difficult to manage.
- Intense Feelings of Guilt or Hopelessness: Persistent feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
Seeking Support
In the UK, several organizations and charities offer support specifically tailored to new parents experiencing mental health challenges:
- Mind – Provides information and support for mental health issues, including postnatal anxiety.
- PANDAS Foundation – Offers support to families experiencing pre- and postnatal mental illnesses.
- Samaritans – Offers a 24/7 helpline for anyone in distress or needing someone to talk to.
As a new parent, it’s important to be kind to yourself and recognise that seeking help is a sign of strength. Whether you’re experiencing typical new-parent worries or feel overwhelmed by anxiety, support is available.
And please remember, you are not alone.