Postpartum Anxiety Treatment in Spokane, Washington

By We Level Up WA | Author Jessica Lewis, PharmD | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

The birth of a child brings joy, but for many mothers, it also introduces unexpected challenges beyond typical new-parent worries. Postpartum anxiety affects many new mothers, yet it often remains in the shadow of postpartum depression, leaving many women to struggle silently with symptoms they don’t understand.

The journey through postpartum anxiety can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Whether you’re experiencing mild symptoms or overwhelming anxiety, seeking professional help gives you a path forward that honors both your needs and your role as a mother.

Understanding Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum anxiety is a clinical condition characterized by persistent, excessive worry that interferes with daily functioning and the ability to care for yourself and your baby. Unlike the temporary “baby blues” that affect new mothers in the first few weeks after delivery, postpartum anxiety can persist for months if left untreated.

Research from the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests that postpartum anxiety may be more common than postpartum depression, affecting approximately 17% of mothers. Even more concerning, women who experience postpartum anxiety don’t report their symptoms to healthcare providers, often because they believe intense worry is simply part of being a new mother.

What sets postpartum anxiety apart is its intensity and persistence. While all parents worry about their children, mothers with postpartum anxiety experience debilitating levels of concern that can manifest as constant checking on the baby, inability to sleep even when exhausted, or intrusive thoughts about potential dangers.

Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum anxiety manifests through a constellation of symptoms that can vary widely between individuals. Recognizing these signs is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment.

Behavioral symptoms often appear first and may be noticed by partners or family members. Excessive checking behaviors, like repeatedly ensuring the baby is breathing,g are common. Many mothers report an inability to sit still or relax, even when the baby is sleeping. Some develop rigid routines or rituals they believe will keep their baby safe, becoming distressed when these routines are disrupted.

Cognitive symptoms can be particularly distressing. Racing thoughts that jump from one worry to another make it difficult to focus or make decisions. Many mothers describe intrusive thoughts about potential dangers or accidents involving their baby. These thoughts aren’t desires or intentions—they’re unwanted mental images that cause significant distress.

“What if the baby stops breathing?” “What if I accidentally drop her?” “What if I somehow hurt my baby?” These intrusive thoughts can be terrifying, but they’re a common symptom of anxiety, not an indication that you’re a danger to your child.

Physical symptoms often mimic those of other conditions, which can delay diagnosis. These may include:

The Impact of Untreated Postpartum Anxiety

When postpartum anxiety goes unaddressed, its effects ripple outward, affecting not just the mother but the entire family system.

For mothers, untreated anxiety can transform what should be a meaningful life transition into a period of suffering. The constant state of hypervigilance depletes emotional and physical resources, leading to exhaustion that compounds existing symptoms. Many women report feeling robbed of the joy they expected to experience with their new baby, replaced instead by constant worry and fear.

Maternal anxiety that is untreated can affect mother-infant bonding. The natural attunement between mother and baby may be disrupted when a mother’s attention is consistently diverted to managing her distress. This doesn’t mean mothers with anxiety don’t love their babies—quite the opposite. The intense worry often stems from deep love and concern.

The effects extend to partners and other children as well. Relationships can become strained as communication patterns change and the focus shifts predominantly to anxiety management. Partners may feel helpless or excluded, unsure how to provide support.

Perhaps most concerning are the potential long-term effects on child development. Studies suggest that children of mothers with untreated anxiety may be more likely to develop anxiety themselves, creating an intergenerational pattern.

Anxiety Statistics

It’s critical to understand the distinction between anxiety and depression. Anxiety, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worry, whereas depression, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness. It is conceivable for someone to experience depression and anxiety simultaneously.

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Our Approach to Treating Postpartum Anxiety at We Level Up Washington

At We Level Up Washington, our treatment philosophy recognizes postpartum anxiety as both a medical condition and a human experience. Our approach integrates evidence-based interventions with compassionate care, creating a healing environment where mothers can recover while maintaining their essential connection with their babies.

Central to our philosophy is the recognition that postpartum anxiety often coexists with other conditions. Our dual-diagnosis capability ensures we address all aspects of your mental health, not just isolated symptoms.

What sets We Level Up Washington apart is our integration of maternal-infant mental health expertise with broader mental health and substance use disorder treatment capabilities. This comprehensive approach ensures that no aspect of your well-being is overlooked during recovery.

Treatment Options for Postpartum Anxiety

Effective treatment for postpartum anxiety typically involves a combination of therapeutic approaches, potential medication, and supportive care, all tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. At We Level Up Washington, we offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based interventions.

Therapeutic Interventions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown remarkable effectiveness for postpartum anxiety. This structured approach helps you identify and challenge anxious thought patterns while developing practical coping strategies for managing symptoms.

Medication Options

For moderate to severe anxiety, medication may be an important component of treatment. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft) are often the first-line medication treatment, as they’re generally considered safe during breastfeeding and effective for anxiety symptoms.

The decision to use medication is always collaborative, weighing potential benefits against risks. Our psychiatric providers specialize in perinatal mental health and stay current with the latest research on medication safety during breastfeeding. If medication is part of your treatment plan, we’ll monitor your response closely and adjust as needed.

Supportive Care Elements

Recovery from postpartum anxiety extends beyond formal therapy sessions. Our supportive care components include:

• Peer support groups where you can connect with other mothers experiencing similar challenges
• Family therapy sessions that help partners and other family members understand postpartum anxiety and learn how to provide effective support
• Practical assistance with sleep strategies, as sleep disruption both contributes to and results from anxiety
• Nutritional guidance focused on foods that support mood regulation and energy levels

At We Level Up Washington, we recognize that effective treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your treatment plan will combine these approaches in proportions that address your specific needs and circumstances, creating a comprehensive pathway to recovery.

Why Choose We Level Up Washington for Postpartum Anxiety Treatment

Selecting the right treatment provider is a crucial decision that significantly impacts your recovery journey. We Level Up Washington offers several distinct advantages for mothers seeking help with postpartum anxiety.

Our clinical team includes professionals with advanced training in mood and anxiety disorders who understand the unique biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to postpartum anxiety. This specialized knowledge translates into more accurate assessment and more effective treatment.

Our Spokane facility provides a serene, retreat-like environment that balances clinical excellence with comfort. The peaceful setting supports the healing process while remaining accessible to the greater Washington area. Unlike general mental health facilities, our spaces are designed with the needs of new mothers in mind, including accommodations for those who need to bring their infants to treatment sessions.

Our accreditation and licensing reflect our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care, while our outcomes data demonstrates our effectiveness in helping mothers recover from postpartum anxiety and reclaim their joy in motherhood.

Getting Started with Your Recovery Journey

Many mothers say they feel relief simply from being understood during that first conversation. Your concerns will be taken seriously, your experiences validated, and your strengths recognized.

Conclusion

Postpartum anxiety doesn’t have to define your motherhood experience. With specialized treatment at We Level Up Washington, you can move beyond constant worry to find the joy and connection you deserve. 

Take the first step today. Call our confidential hotline at (509) 348-4077 to begin your journey toward healing.

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