Postpartum Anxiety Treatment in Spokane, Washington
Welcoming a new life into the world is a cherished moment filled with joy and hope. However, for some new mothers, this journey is accompanied by an unexpected guest: postpartum anxiety. Postpartum anxiety affects a significant number of women, often overshadowed by its more widely recognized counterpart, postpartum depression. In this article, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for postpartum anxiety, shedding light on this often overlooked condition that can profoundly impact the lives of new mothers.
Clinically Reviewed by Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS
Medically Reviewed by Ali Nikbakht, PsyD
Updated on January 30, 2026 — Editorial Policy | Research Policy
By We Level Up WA | Author Jessica Lewis, PharmD | Editorial Policy | Research Policy
Postpartum Anxiety
Bringing a new baby home is a huge life change. Many new mothers feel overwhelmed. But postpartum anxiety is different. It brings intense worry that disrupts your life completely. This condition goes beyond normal stress. It causes constant fear that something terrible will happen to your baby.
The racing thoughts can make it impossible to sleep. You may feel exhausted and emotionally drained every single day. You might feel alone in this struggle. But effective support is available to help you recover fully. We Level Up Washington provides the compassionate care you need. We help you find peace and enjoy motherhood again.
What Is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a mental health condition. It involves excessive worrying after giving birth. It is not the same as the “baby blues.” The baby blues usually go away after two weeks. Anxiety can last much longer. It can get worse if you do not treat it. It affects how you relax and function.
This condition affects your body and your mind. You might feel a rapid heartbeat. You might feel dizzy or sick to your stomach. It can happen to any new parent. It is not your fault. It requires understanding, not judgment. You need professional help to feel better.
Anxiety can stop you from bonding with your baby. You might be too scared to hold them or leave them alone. Without help, the symptoms can turn into depression. Therapists have tools to help you. They teach you how to manage racing thoughts. They help reduce the stress on your body. Early help ensures you can handle motherhood with confidence.
Research shows this condition is common. The National Institutes of Health says about 15% of women feel significant anxiety after birth. Many women suffer in silence. They do not ask for help. This statistic shows we need better screening. We need to support all new mothers. You do not have to be a statistic. You can get the care you need.
Difference Between Anxiety and Baby Blues
It is hard to tell the difference at first. The “baby blues” happen to most moms. Hormones drop fast after birth. This makes you moody and tearful. You might feel sad one minute and happy the next. These feelings are normal. They usually stop on their own after a few days or weeks.
Postpartum anxiety feels more intense. The worry does not stop. You feel on edge all the time. The fear interferes with your daily tasks. You might not be able to eat or sleep. You might feel like you are losing control. If these feelings last more than two weeks, you need to see a doctor. We Level Up Washington can help you understand your symptoms. We provide the right care for your specific needs.
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Signs You May Need Help
Anxiety looks different for everyone. Some moms feel it in their bodies. Others feel it in their minds. Here are common signs to watch for.
Physical Symptoms
Your body reacts to stress. You might feel physically ill.
- Rapid Heartbeat: Your heart feels like it is pounding out of your chest.
- Dizziness: You feel lightheaded or faint often.
- Nausea: You have an upset stomach and cannot eat.
- Insomnia: You cannot sleep, even when the baby sleeps.
- Muscle Tension: Your shoulders and neck hurt from being tight.
- Shortness of Breath: You feel like you cannot get enough air.
Emotional Symptoms
Your feelings can become overwhelming.
- Constant Dread: You feel like something bad is about to happen.
- Racing Thoughts: Your mind moves fast from one worry to the next.
- Irritability: You snap at your partner or family easily.
- Inability to Focus: You cannot pay attention to tasks.
- Fear of Being Alone: You are terrified to be alone with the baby.
Behavioral Changes
You might act differently because of the fear.
Reassurance Seeking: You ask others if the baby is okay constantly.attern.
Checking: You check the baby’s breathing over and over.
Avoidance: You avoid going out because germs scare you.
Controlling: You do not let anyone else hold the baby.
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Causes and Risk Factors
Doctors do not know the exact cause. It is likely a mix of things. Your body goes through huge changes. Your life changes overnight. Here are some main triggers.
Hormonal Changes
Estrogen and progesterone levels drop fast after birth. These hormones affect your mood. When they drop, you can feel anxious. Your thyroid levels might also change. This can make you feel jittery and tired.
Sleep Deprivation
Newborns do not sleep through the night. This means you do not sleep either. Lack of sleep is a huge trigger for anxiety. Your brain needs rest to process emotions. Without sleep, small problems feel huge. It becomes a cycle. You are too anxious to sleep, so you get more anxious.
Personal History
You are at higher risk if you have had anxiety before. A family history of mental health issues also raises your risk. If you had anxiety during pregnancy, you might have it after birth. Knowing your history helps you prepare.
Stressful Events
A difficult birth can cause trauma. Health issues with the baby add stress. Financial problems or relationship trouble make it worse. Lack of support from family is a big risk factor. You need a village to help you raise a child.
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The Impact on Your Family
Untreated anxiety hurts the whole family. It does not just affect you. It affects your partner and your baby too.
Effect on Bonding
Babies need a calm parent. If you are anxious, you might pull away. You might be too scared to play with your baby. You might treat the baby like they are fragile. This can hurt the secure bond between you. The baby can sense your stress. They might become fussy or hard to soothe.
Effect on Your Partner
Your partner might not understand what is wrong. They might feel helpless. You might snap at them often. You might stop them from helping with the baby. This causes fights and distance. It kills intimacy. Couples counseling can help you communicate better.
Effect on Child Development
Long-term anxiety can affect how your child grows. Studies show that children of anxious moms may have more behavioral issues. They might be more fearful themselves. Treating your anxiety is the best thing you can do for your child’s future.
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Searching for Accredited Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Centers Near You?
Even if therapy failed previously, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about counseling alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.
FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services HotlinePostpartum OCD: A Specific Form of Anxiety
Some moms develop Postpartum OCD. This stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It is a specific type of anxiety. It involves intrusive thoughts. These are scary thoughts that pop into your head. You might imagine hurting the baby. You might imagine the baby falling.
These thoughts are very distressing. Moms with OCD do not want to hurt their babies. The thoughts make them do rituals. You might wash your hands until they bleed. You might check the locks ten times. You might clean constantly.
This is very scary to experience. But it is treatable. You are not a bad mother for having these thoughts. They are a symptom of the illness. We Level Up Washington treats OCD with specialized therapy. We help you reduce the power of these thoughts.
Why Choose We Level Up Washington?
We Level Up Washington is a safe place for healing. We know that postpartum anxiety is real. We treat it with respect. Our facility offers a calm environment. You can focus on getting better here.
- Compassionate Staff
Our team cares about you. We understand the unique needs of new mothers. We listen to your fears. We do not judge you. We validate your feelings. You can trust us to treat you with dignity.
- Holistic Care
We treat the whole person. We do not just treat symptoms. We look at your diet, your sleep, and your stress. We use natural methods to help you relax. We combine this with medical care for the best results.
- Personalized Plans
No two mothers are the same. Your treatment plan fits you. We look at your history and your goals. We adjust the plan as you get better. This ensures you get the right support at the right time.
Treatment Options at Our Facility
We use proven methods to treat anxiety. Our goal is long-term recovery.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is very effective for anxiety. It helps you change how you think. You learn to spot negative thoughts. You learn to replace them with true thoughts. For example, you might think, “I am a bad mom.” CBT helps you see the evidence that you are a good mom. This reduces your fear.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT helps you manage intense emotions. It teaches you mindfulness. You learn to stay in the present moment. It teaches you how to tolerate distress. You learn skills to calm yourself down when you panic. This is great for stopping panic attacks.
Group Therapy
You are not alone. Group therapy connects you with other moms. You share your stories. You learn from each other. It helps to know others feel the same way. It breaks the isolation. You build a support network that lasts.
Medication Management
Sometimes therapy is not enough. Medication can help balance your brain chemicals. Our doctors are experts in postpartum care. They know which medicines are safe. Many options are safe for breastfeeding. We discuss the risks and benefits with you. You make the choice that feels right.
Self-Care Strategies for Home
Recovery continues at home. We teach you how to take care of yourself.
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is medicine. Ask your partner to take the night shift. Nap when the baby naps. Do not use nap time to clean. Use it to rest. A rested brain handles stress better.
Eat Well
Your body needs fuel. Eat foods with protein and healthy fats. Avoid too much sugar and caffeine. Caffeine can make anxiety worse. Drink plenty of water. Vitamins like magnesium can help calm your nerves.
Ask for Help
You cannot do it all. Ask friends to bring meals. Ask family to hold the baby while you shower. It is okay to need a break. Taking a break makes you a better mom.
Move Your Body
Gentle exercise helps. Go for a walk outside. Fresh air clears your mind. Yoga can help stretch tight muscles. Do not push yourself too hard. Just move a little each day.
How to Get Started
Taking the first step is brave. You do it for your family. You can start by calling us. Our admissions team is ready to help.
We will talk about your situation. We will verify your insurance. We explain the costs clearly. There are no surprises. We answer all your questions. We can schedule a free consultation.
Do not let fear control your life. You deserve to be happy. Your baby deserves a happy mom. Contact We Level Up Washington today. Start your journey to peace.
Anxiety Disorder Facts & Treatment Programs That Can Help You – Informative Video
Video Script
Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in mental health, impacting many individuals. According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 31.1% of Americans have encountered some form of anxiety disorder. Although anxiety is a natural response to stress that everyone experiences, individuals with anxiety disorders consistently confront excessive, persistent, and overwhelming worries about everyday situations.
These feelings of anxiety and panic disrupt daily functioning and present significant challenges in terms of management. Furthermore, these concerns often surpass the actual threat level and continue long after the triggering event has concluded. As a result, individuals may develop avoidance behaviors, actively avoiding situations or individuals they perceive as potential triggers. Symptoms of anxiety can arise during childhood or adolescence and persist into adulthood.
Anxiety activates the body’s stress response, commonly called the fight, flight or freeze response. This innate survival mechanism rapidly mobilizes the body in emergency situations, exerting pressure on various bodily systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does postpartum anxiety last?
Without help, it can last for months or years. It can become a long-term problem. With treatment, many women feel better in a few weeks. Early help shortens the time you suffer. It prevents long-term damage to your health.
Will I have it with my next baby?
If you have it once, you are at higher risk next time. But you can prepare. You can set up support early. You can start therapy during pregnancy. This can prevent it from starting again.
Can I take medication while breastfeeding?
Yes, there are safe options. Sertraline (Zoloft) is often used. It passes into milk in very small amounts. Doctors consider it safe. Always talk to your doctor. They weigh the benefits against the risks. Your mental health is important for breastfeeding success.
What if I have panic attacks?
Panic attacks are scary but not dangerous. They will pass. Grounding techniques help. Focus on your breathing. Count to ten. Hold an ice cube. These tricks stop the panic cycle. Therapy teaches you how to prevent them.
Can partners get postpartum anxiety?
Yes, partners can get it too. They worry about the baby and you. They feel financial pressure. They lose sleep too. About 10% of new dads get anxiety or depression. They also need support and care.
Is it normal to have scary thoughts?
Yes, intrusive thoughts are a symptom. They do not mean you will act on them. They are just “junk mail” from your brain. Acknowledging them without fear makes them go away. Therapy helps you do this.
Does insurance cover treatment?
Most insurance plans cover mental health. We accept many major insurance providers. We can check your benefits for you. We help you understand what is covered. We want care to be accessible.
Do I need inpatient or outpatient care?
It depends on how severe it is. If you cannot function, inpatient care is best. It gives you 24/7 support. If you can manage daily tasks, outpatient care works. You visit for therapy but sleep at home. We help you decide the best level of care.
How does anxiety affect my physical health?
Chronic stress releases cortisol. This hormone harms your body over time. It weakens your immune system. You get sick easier. It can cause high blood pressure. Treating anxiety protects your physical health too.
Ready to Recover?
You do not have to carry this burden alone. We Level Up Washington is here for you. We provide expert support. We offer a caring space. You can overcome postpartum anxiety. You can reclaim your life. Call us now. Take the first step toward a healthier tomorrow.
Related Reading
- We Level Up Washington: Mental Health Treatment
- We Level Up Washington: Dual Diagnosis Care
- We Level Up Washington: Anxiety Disorder Treatment
- NIMH: Perinatal Depression and Anxiety
- WomensHealth.gov: Anxiety and Pregnancy
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