Postpartum Anxiety and Depression: Therapists Share Everything You Need to Know

Updated October 10, 2025.

While many people are familiar with the term postpartum depression (PPD), fewer know about its close counterpart — postpartum anxiety (PPA). Both can occur during pregnancy and/or shortly after childbirth, and while they often overlap, each comes with its own distinct symptoms and treatment approaches.

For many new moms, these experiences aren’t part of the birth plan. Preparing for sleepless nights and endless diaper changes? Absolutely. But facing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or overwhelming worry? For nearly one in five new mothers, these emotions are an unexpected and deeply challenging reality.

The good news is that both postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are highly treatable with the right support. In this post, we’ll explore what each condition looks like, what causes them, and how to recognize their symptoms. You’ll also hear directly from therapists and other perinatal experts on how to navigate recovery and find meaningful, lasting help.

What is postpartum anxiety?

Postpartum anxiety is characterized as excessive, uncontrollable, and irrational anxiety in the months before or after giving birth.

“It is common for a new mom to worry about her infant’s wellbeing, and her ability as a caregiver,” points out Dr. Susan Park, a psychiatrist in New York City whose specialties include perinatal depression and anxiety.

This may be a biological given, says Dr. Laura Venuto, a Licensed Psychologist in New York City with specialties in life transitions, anxiety, and maternal mental health. “Mothers are hardwired to have heightened awareness about potential harm that can befall them and their baby. It’s a protective mechanism, hormonally linked to breastfeeding,” says Dr. Venuto.

But when such worrying gets out of hand, making it difficult for these new mamas to get through the day? That’s when it might indicate postpartum anxiety.

For instance, a mom who is concerned about dropping her baby down the subway escalator might walk 40 blocks in the cold before riding the train – or avoid going out altogether, says Dr. Venuto. These overblown fears can inhibit a new mom’s ability to perform even small acts.

What are symptoms of postpartum anxiety?

Symptoms of postpartum anxiety are similar to those other anxiety disorders, with the added factor of new parenthood at play. Dr. Venuto lists some hallmark symptoms of postpartum anxiety:

Jane Hesser, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Rhode Island who is an expert in prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety, emphasizes that postpartum anxiety comes in many forms. You don’t need to experience any particular set of symptoms to have it.

CTA--1-

How common is postpartum anxiety?

According to Dr. Park, 10% of women develop anxiety during their first few months postpartum.

Additionally, about 85% of women experience some form of sadness and anxiety during the postpartum period. However, adds Park, many of these women are experiencing what is commonly known as “the baby blues.” These have similar symptoms to postpartum depression and/or anxiety, but go away on their own within two weeks.

Park emphasizes that postpartum blues can increase the risk of subsequent postpartum anxiety disorders by up to four times. If symptoms of depression and anxiety persist for longer than two weeks, the woman should be evaluated – as she may benefit from further treatment.

What causes postpartum anxiety?

The scientific cause of postpartum anxiety is thought to be an interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors, says Park.

Hesser says this variety of factors makes it hard to know exactly what, exactly, causes postpartum anxiety.

Possible causes include (but aren’t limited to):

When does postpartum anxiety start?

Postpartum anxiety can begin any time during the perinatal period (the time immediately leading up to, and after, childbirth).

“Often, symptoms actually begin in pregnancy and worsen postpartum,” says Hesser. It can also set in up to a year after giving birth.

Postpartum anxiety and other mental health conditions

Although any new mother can develop postpartum anxiety, Hesser confirms that “women who have a history of previous anxiety or mood disorders and women who have symptoms in pregnancy are more likely to experience anxiety postpartum.”

Having a baby can also re-trigger or exacerbate other anxiety-related mental health conditions. Women sometimes experience newly onset OCD after the birth of a child, or find that their previous OCD symptoms occur.

Hesser points out that “OCD symptoms postpartum may take a new form – involving repetitive, scary thoughts about harm coming to the baby.” As a result, new moms will attempt to avoid those thoughts and the feelings that come with them. “Sometimes these thoughts can be very visual or graphic, and women often feel afraid or ashamed to talk about them.”

Additionally, Hesser notes that “women who experience traumatic childbirth may find they have moments when they re-experience the fear they felt during the event itself, experience anxiety related to medical care, intimacy with a partner or future pregnancy, as well as [other symptoms of postpartum anxiety].” This may be indicative of PTSD.

Am I experiencing postpartum anxiety or just new-parent nerves?

“Becoming a mother can be scary! It is a huge transition, and most mothers experience at least some anxiety in early motherhood,” says Hesser.  However, it’s important to take especially intense or long-lasting anxiety seriously. “If a woman is experiencing symptoms of anxiety that feel really distressing or are overwhelming her ability to cope, function or parent,” Hesser says, “she should be seen by a professional trained in assessing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.”

Dr. Venuto agrees, adding that while new parents may experience intermittent worry, you’ll know you’re experiencing postpartum anxiety when your symptoms are impairing your ability to function at home or the workplace.

Dr. Venuto provides some examples:

Treatment options for postpartum anxiety

There are a range of treatment options available for women dealing with postpartum anxiety. Dr. Venuto recommends the following:

She also points to self-care as part of recovery, but notes that it is highly unlikely to eliminate the symptoms of postpartum anxiety on its own.

Self-care includes:

Hesser adds that “both individual and group therapy can be helpful,” and in particular urges women with early symptoms or a history of anxiety or depression to seek treatment: “The sooner you get help, the better!”

Medication is another option for some women. Hesser and Park both note that SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Zoloft are often prescribed, though some physicians may recommend other medications. “Always consult with your prescriber about concerns involving medication, and never change your medication use without consulting with your prescriber,” Hesser emphasizes.

Park also recommends prioritizing self-care as possible. “I recommend starting light exercises like yoga early in the postpartum period and to leave the house once a day for fresh air,” she says, adding that building routines around getting adequate sleep is also an important step. Additionally, she urges women facing postpartum anxiety to take time for connecting with their partners. “It may be daunting to leave an infant for a date night,” she notes, “[but] it is important to spend quality time with your spouse over simple activities like going for a walk or getting a cup of coffee.”

Finally, Park notes that support groups can also be a helpful way for new mothers to connect with others in similar situations and reduce symptoms of postpartum anxiety.

How long does postpartum anxiety last?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to know for sure how long postpartum anxiety will last. If left untreated, says Dr. Venuto, it can linger for months – if not years.

With evidence-based support, women may notice a reduction in their anxiety within 8-12 weeks. However, there is no set timeline for recovery.  Symptom reduction depends on the unique situation and treatment.

“Sometimes women tell me they were told it will go away when they deliver or stop nursing,” Hesser says, pointing out that “those are myths that sometimes prevent women from getting help sooner.” Bottom line? “There’s no reason to wait to go for an evaluation.”

When to seek treatment for postpartum anxiety?

Park recommends seeking treatment whenever excessive worry becomes uncontrollable and interferes with day-to day-activities or with your ability to enjoy your new life as a mom.

Supporting a loved one with postpartum anxiety

Hesser notes that one of the things that mothers struggling with postpartum anxiety need most is understanding. Venuto agrees, adding that many women fear pursuing treatment “because of the stigma surrounding mental health challenges in our culture.”

“[Help her] understand that she is not alone, she is not to blame, and with help, she will be well.” These words are the motto of Postpartum Support International, whose website Hesser recommends as a helpful source of information for loved ones.

Hesser also says that practical help, such as childcare for older children, or anything else that can “enable a mother to sleep and have time to rest” is also an invaluable form of support.

Once you’ve encouraged someone with postpartum anxiety to receive treatment from a trained professional, Dr. Venuto recommends providing concrete, consistent support. “Cook her a meal, clean her house, provide childcare so she can rest or leave the house.” Having faith that they will get better and sharing your optimism with them? That, in itself, may provide a beacon of hope during a scary and uncomfortable time.

What are the causes of postpartum depression?

There's no single cause to pinpoint for postpartum depression. Rather, research shows that postpartum depression stems from a combination of factors.

Hormonal factors for PPD:

Situational factors for PPD:

In addition to the above, the perinatal period is also a time when new moms:

On top of all this, many new moms experience a tangible difference between the fantasy and reality of motherhood, all while needing to learn new skills to manage the new demanding role.

When postpartum depression occurs

While this peak risk of 3 months is true for most women, postpartum depression can start days, or even months, after childbirth. Generally speaking, postpartum depression is considered as such if the symptoms occur within the first year after birth.

Between 20 and 25% of mothers with PPD have episodes lasting 6 months or longer.

Prevalence of postpartum depression

One 2013 study estimated between 14 and 21% of women in the perinatal stages experience postpartum depression.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression may look different in one mom to the next. That said, they often include:

How to treat postpartum depression

Therapy types for PPD

Effective therapy treatment options for postpartum depression include:

Treatment for postpartum depression also includes accessing social support, and following any recommended medical interventions.

Preventative measures help reduce your risk of developing PPD

If possible, be proactive to prevent postpartum depression from taking over full-force. To do this, understand your risk by assessing your psychiatric history – as well as family history of mood disorders.

Higher risk women may also benefit from taking a preventative medication (often an antidepressant).

Cultivate a support group to lower your risk of developing PPD

You can decrease your risk of PPD by mobilizing a support network; this may include:

Research shows that the support of a female labor companion (doula) has significant obstetric and perinatal benefits. A doula usually serves as a coach who believes in the woman’s capacity to give birth. Women who have a doula by their side have fewer cesarean and forceps deliveries. Doula-supported mothers also rate childbirth as less difficult and painful than women who were not supported by a doula. Mothers also report reductions in anxiety and positive feelings about the birth experience. Later postpartum benefits include decreased symptoms of depression, improved self-esteem, and increased rates of breastfeeding — all factors that can strengthen the attachment between mother and baby.

How to help your partner through PPD

If your partner or loved one has PPD, here's what you can do to help:

How to find a therapist for Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety

When seeking therapy for postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression, it’s essential to find a clinician you trust — someone who helps you feel comfortable opening up and truly understands what you’re going through. As therapist Jessica Hesser notes, “You should feel that you can open up to the therapist and that she or he truly understands what you are experiencing.”

Look for a therapist who specializes in working with perinatal women. These professionals have deep knowledge of attachment, maternal identity, and evidence-based treatments for perinatal mood disorders such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). A perinatal therapist can explain how these modalities work, why they’re effective, and which might be most helpful for you.

Exploring your own beliefs about motherhood and understanding factors that may be impacting your ability to bond can also be powerful parts of the healing process. This can happen in individual therapy or within the supportive environment of a group setting.

If you’re ready to start your search for a perinatal specialist who can treat postpartum anxiety or depression, visit Zencare’s therapist directory. Use the Specialties filter to find clinicians experienced in perinatal mental health, explore therapist profiles and introductory videos, and book a consultation call with someone who feels like the right fit for you.

FAQs About Motherhood  

Answers by Dr. Sarit Lesser, PsyD

Dr. Sarit Lesser, PsyD is a psychologist in Providence, RI specializing in seeing both new mothers and college students. She conducted research on new mothers and motherhood during her studies, and is passionate about working with mothers and parents throughout their pregnancy and postpartum periods.

What does it mean for women to "become mothers"?

“Becoming a mother” entails a change in women’s biopsychosocial self-definition, an identity change that encompasses physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning, personality, relationships, occupation, and social roles. Caregiving is not a quality one is born with, but rather, an identity shift that entails learning new skills that result in making new commitments – a process not without substantial challenges.

Can you tell us about your research? What did you find out about new motherhood?

I looked at the development of maternal identity by recognizing mothers’ subjective experiences, and found that this new stage in a woman’s development involves profound psychological changes and identity shifts.

When a woman first becomes a mother, she holds certain internal scripts about what this new role entails – about what makes a “good mother,” her own personal characteristics and ways of relating to others, society’s expectations of her, and cultural norms about motherhood. Naturally, these beliefs often do not match with the realities of motherhood, and the women I interviewed struggled to negotiate a pathway to their maternal identity. Whether these tensions were emotional, physical, relational, individual, or systemic, they were fundamental to the identity shift of becoming a mother.

What support services do you recommend to new mothers?

Research shows that the support of a female labor companion (doula) has significant obstetric and perinatal benefits. A doula usually serves as a coach who believes in the woman’s capacity to give birth. Women who have a doula by their side have fewer cesarean and forceps deliveries. Doula-supported mothers also rate childbirth as less difficult and painful than women who were not supported by a doula. Mothers also report reductions in anxiety and positive feelings about the birth experience. Later postpartum benefits include decreased symptoms of depression, improved self-esteem, and increased rates of breastfeeding–all factors that can strengthen the attachment between mother and baby.

What is one piece of advice you give all new mothers?

You are not alone! You are not the only mother who feels lonely, sad, or confused. In fact, it is more common than you might think, and – and this is the most important part – it is normal! It’s a learning process, in which a woman gradually develops a connection and a relationship with her baby and undergoes a qualitative shift in her perception of herself, her baby, and the world.  This process begins with examining existing beliefs and ends with her finding new meanings and commitments. Overall, this process involves structural changes of roles, relationships, personal competencies, and learning new skills.

Answers by Jane Hesser, LCSW

Jane Hesser, LICSW is an expert in mental and emotional care for women with particular expertise in prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety (including OCD) and adjustment to motherhood. She enjoys working with women who are trying to conceive, adopt, or transition to motherhood.

What are common mood challenges that women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth might experience?

Becoming a mother is both wonderful and challenging. Women experience a major shakeup in our daily lives, relationships, and personal identities. We gain a lot and yet we lose things as well. We expect so much of ourselves and others expect so much of us. This all happens when everything is well.

In addition to the typical adjustment most women experience, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the most common complications of pregnancy and new motherhood, impacting 1 in 7 women. Symptoms often begin in pregnancy and getting help early is very important.

What support services do you recommend to new mothers?

I recommend that women seek support that really FEELS supportive from people well-trained to help, in addition to support from friends and family. Lactation consultants can be very helpful for women who desire to nurse and are struggling. Finding a doula who shares your values and is a good personality fit can be a wonderful support both in labor and postpartum. When women are experiencing emotional distress in pregnancy or postpartum, finding a therapist or psychiatrist with solid experience and training in identifying and treating PMADs is very important. Connecting with other mothers who have experienced PMADs can also be a wonderful support.

What is one piece of advice you give all new mothers?

There is typically a very wide range of emotions that new mothers experience in spite of the expectation that this will be “the happiest time of their lives.” You are not alone and regardless of how it may look from the outside: everyone needs help.