10 Signs You Might Be Experiencing Postpartum Anxiety from A Postpartum Therapist in Atlanta, GA
You Can’t Stop Worrying Even About Small Things
It’s natural to worry a little when you have a new baby. But postpartum anxiety turns that dial way up. You might find yourself stuck in loops of worry that feel impossible to control.
Example: You spend hours reading baby forums trying to figure out if your baby’s sleep patterns are normal. Even after reassurance, you still feel unsettled.
Real Talk: When the worry doesn’t ease up, even when things are okay, or it makes you question your ability to parent.
You Feel Constantly on Edge or Tense
That “wired but tired” feeling is a hallmark of anxiety. Your body may feel like it’s in fight-or-flight mode, even if everything around you is calm.
Example: You’re holding your baby, but you can’t relax. For instance, you have tight shoulders, clenched jaw, racing thoughts, and your body feels like it is bracing for something.
Therapist Insight: This is your nervous system working overtime. You’re not imagining it. It’s real, and it’s exhausting.
You Struggle to Sleep Even When the Baby Sleeps
We expect broken sleep with a new baby. But if you’re unable to fall asleep when you have the opportunity, anxiety might be interfering.
Example: It’s 2:00 a.m., the baby is finally sleeping, and instead of resting, you’re googling rare infant illnesses or replaying the day in your head repeatedly.
Why It Matters: Sleep is vital for mental health. When anxiety disrupts rest, it becomes a cycle that’s hard to break without support.
Your Thoughts Feel Loud and Unstoppable
Racing thoughts are another major symptom of postpartum anxiety. It’s like having a running commentary in your head that won’t quit.
Example: You go from “I hope the baby eats enough” to “What if they don’t gain weight?” to “What if I mess them up for life?” – all in the span of minutes.
Reminder: These spirals can feel isolating, but they’re a common pattern in anxiety. You’re not alone in this.
You Avoid Certain Places or Activities Because of Fear
Sometimes anxiety convinces us that the best way to stay safe is to avoid anything that feels uncertain. This can shrink your world pretty quickly.
Example: You want to go to a mom-and-baby group, but you’re terrified the baby will cry or get sick, so you cancel at the last minute — again.
Therapist Note: Avoidance can bring short-term relief but long-term isolation. Therapy can help you slowly feel safe doing the things you miss.
You’ve Had Panic Attacks or Sudden Waves of Fear
Not everyone with postpartum anxiety experiences panic attacks, but if you do, you know how intense and scary they can be.
Example: Your heart pounds, your chest feels tight, you feel dizzy or detached — and you’re convinced something terrible is about to happen, even though nothing is wrong.
Important: Panic attacks are your body’s alarm system misfiring. They’re treatable, and learning how to manage them can make a big difference.
You Find Yourself Rechecking Things Over and Over
Repetitive checking can be a way to try and feel more in control when anxiety is high. But it can become distressing or disruptive.
Example: You check the baby monitor every five minutes, even though you just saw them breathing.
Insight: These behaviors don’t mean you’re “crazy,” they’re your brain’s way of trying to protect you.
You’re Easily Irritated or Emotionally Reactive
People don’t always associate anxiety with anger or irritability, but it’s often part of the picture, especially when you’re running on empty.
Example: Your partner loads the dishwasher “wrong,” and you snap. Or you burst into tears because the laundry didn’t get folded.
Why This Happens: Anxiety builds pressure inside you. Without an outlet, it leaks out in irritation and frustration. It’s not a personal failure, it’s a signal.
You’re Afraid There’s Something Wrong With You
Shame loves to show up with anxiety. You might feel like you’re failing or broken because other parents seem to be “handling it better.”
Example: You think, “If I were stronger, I wouldn’t feel this way,” or “Maybe I wasn’t meant to be a mom.” These thoughts can be heavy and scary.
Truth: You’re not failing. You’re struggling. And struggling doesn’t mean you’re unfit or unlovable, it means you’re human.
Your Worry Is Interfering With Your Daily Life
This is the bottom line. If your anxiety is keeping you from living the life you want, including bonding with your baby, taking care of yourself, or feeling moments of peace — that’s a sign you deserve help.
Example: You can’t enjoy your baby’s smile because you’re too busy scanning for what might go wrong next. Joy feels just out of reach.
You Don’t Have to Stay Here: There are tools, support, and healing available, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
What You Can Do About It
If you see yourself in any of these signs, please know this: there is help, and it works.
Here are some first steps:
- Talk to a perinatal therapist (like me!) who understands this specific kind of anxiety.
- Speak to your doctor or OB-GYN about how you’re feeling. Medication is a helpful option for many people and can be safe during breastfeeding.
- Join a support group since hearing “me too” from other parents can be incredibly validating.
- Focus on gentle self-care such as eating regularly, asking for help, saying no, and resting when possible.
Postpartum anxiety is not your fault. You didn’t cause it, and you’re not weak for feeling this way. You’re doing the best you can under enormous pressure, and that matters.
Start Working with a Postpartum Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Healing is possible. With the right support, the weight can be lifted. The racing thoughts can quiet. You can feel like yourself again, not overnight, but step by step.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “This might be me,” I’d love to support you. I specialize in working with new and expecting parents navigating anxiety, and I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk, process, and heal.
You are not alone. And you don’t have to do this by yourself. Start your therapy journey with Informed Therapy Group by following these simple steps:
- Visit the Contact page, call (404) 444-8974, or email info@informedtherapy.com for a free 15-minute consultation!
- Meet with a caring therapist
- Start lifting the weight of postpartum
Other Services Offered with Informed Therapy Group
Our compassionate therapists at Informed Therapy Group take a multifaceted approach to mental health. In addition to postpartum therapy, I also offer neurodivergent therapy in Atlanta, GA, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, grief and loss counseling, and therapy for stress management. We also specialize in couples counseling, and pregnancy counseling. Visit our About Us page, visit the blog, or read our FAQs to learn more about how we can help. When you’re ready to reach out, call (404) 444-8974 or email admin@informedtherapy.com.
