Postpartum Anxiety: What is it and How is it Different than Postpartum Depression
by Noelle Rizzio, LCPC
Bringing a new baby home is often described as one of the happiest times in a person’s life — but for many new moms, it’s also one of the most stressful and emotional. Amid the joy, sleepless nights, and major life changes, some parents experience intense, persistent anxiety that goes far beyond “normal new-mom worry.”
That’s where postpartum anxiety comes in — a condition that’s less talked about than postpartum depression, but just as real and impactful. Understanding the difference between the two helps caregivers, counselors, and loved ones provide better support during this life-changing season.
What Is Postpartum Anxiety?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, postpartum anxiety is severe, ongoing worry that occurs after having a baby. These anxious thoughts can become all-consuming, often focused on the baby’s safety, health, or the parent’s ability to care for them.
Common Symptoms
Feeling constantly “on edge” or unable to relax
Racing thoughts or intrusive “what if” worries
Physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, nausea, or dizziness
Trouble sleeping even when exhausted
Avoiding situations that trigger fear, like leaving the baby with someone else
Postpartum anxiety can begin immediately after birth or develop months later, and affects roughly 1 in 5 new mothers (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
Risk Factors
Research from ScienceDirect identifies several possible contributors:
Personal or family history of anxiety or depression
Major life stress or lack of social support
A baby with health complications
Hormonal changes and personality traits like perfectionism
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that can appear anytime within the first year after childbirth, though it most often begins within the first few weeks. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) defines it as intense sadness, hopelessness, and despair that interfere with daily functioning and bonding with the baby.
Common Symptoms
Persistent low mood or tearfulness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Changes in appetite or sleep
Guilt, worthlessness, or hopeless thoughts
According to the CDC, about 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression in the United States. Symptoms may even emerge several months after birth.
Risk Factors
Research summarized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists common contributors:
History of depression or anxiety
Stressful life events
Complications during pregnancy or delivery
Low partner or family support
Hormonal and biological changes after birth
How Postpartum Anxiety and Depression Differ
Though postpartum anxiety and depression often overlap, the core emotions and thought patterns are distinct.
While postpartum depression centers on low mood and disconnection, postpartum anxiety is marked by excessive worry and hypervigilance — a feeling of being “too connected” and constantly on guard.
The Center for Women’s Mental Health at MGH explains that many parents with postpartum depression also experience anxiety symptoms, but anxiety can exist on its own, too.
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding the difference between postpartum anxiety and depression helps ensure new parents get the right care.
Different treatments: Depression may respond best to mood-focused therapy and medication, while anxiety often benefits from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
Better screening: Many providers screen only for depression, which can miss anxiety symptoms — leading parents to feel unheard or misdiagnosed.
Empowered support: Counselors and caregivers can normalize worry while still recognizing when it becomes unmanageable.
Supporting Parents Experiencing Postpartum Anxiety or Depression
As counselors and mental-health advocates, we can help new parents feel seen, supported, and worthy — even in the hardest moments.
Here are a few practical strategies:
Normalize the experience — “It’s normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed, but you don’t have to stay stuck there.”
Screen for both mood and anxiety — Ask about sadness and worry.
Encourage connection — Peer support and counseling reduce isolation and shame.
Focus on self-worth — Remind new parents that needing help doesn’t mean they’re failing; it means they’re human.
Offer resources — Provide referrals to therapists, postpartum support groups, or organizations like Postpartum Support International.
A Message of Hope
Both postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression are treatable. With early support, therapy, and in some cases medication, recovery is absolutely possible. The Mayo Clinic notes that most individuals experience full recovery with proper care — and the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcomes.
So if you or someone you know is feeling trapped in a cycle of fear, guilt, or sadness after giving birth — please know: you are not alone, and help works.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Postpartum Depression. (2024). acog.org
American Psychological Association (APA). Postpartum Depression. (2024). apa.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Timing of Postpartum Depressive Symptoms. (2023). cdc.gov
Center for Women’s Mental Health, MGH. Is It Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety? (2024). womensmentalhealth.org
Cleveland Clinic. Postpartum Anxiety. (2024). my.clevelandclinic.org
Cleveland Clinic. Postpartum Depression. (2024). my.clevelandclinic.org
Fawcett, E. J., et al. The Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. Journal of Affective Disorders, 293, 491–503. (2021). sciencedirect.com
Mayo Clinic. Postpartum Depression – Symptoms and Treatment. (2024). mayoclinic.org
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Postpartum Depression Risk Factors: A Narrative Review. (2017). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
PostpartumDepression.org. Statistics & Facts. (2024). postpartumdepression.org
