Bringing a new life into the world is a remarkable experience, but it can also introduce a tsunami of emotions and challenges, especially for new mom's. Amidst the joy and excitement, some moms may find themselves grappling with unsettling thoughts that seem to intrude upon their minds and horrify them – these are known as intrusive thoughts.
What are Intrusive Thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are unwelcome, distressing ideas that pop into our minds involuntarily, during the postpartum phase these often surround the safety of their new baby. They can be graphic, violent, or disturbing, and create a sense of fear or unease. They may revolve around concerns of accidentally harming their baby or intentionally acting in a way that would harm baby. Common thoughts including dropping baby down the stairs, baby drowning in bath, or leaving baby in the car. It's important to note that having intrusive thoughts does not mean a person wants to act on them; they are a common symptom of anxiety, especially in the postpartum period. If you are questioning yourself self an easy way to tell is if you are immediately horrified by the thoughts, it's intrusive. If it sounds like a good idea, please skip to the bottom to immediately reach out for help.
Postpartum anxiety (PPA) is a common condition that affects many new moms. It can manifest in various forms, including overwhelming worry, nervousness, panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts. For some individuals, the line between intrusive thoughts and genuine desires to harm their baby may blur, leading to intense guilt and shame. Anxiety is not a "bad emotion" it keeps us on our toes so we can assess for danger in our environment, think of intrusive thoughts as an exaggerated response to wanting to keep our babies safe.
Managing Postpartum Anxiety
Dealing with postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts requires a multi-faceted approach to ensure emotional well-being for both parents and the baby. Here are some effective strategies to help manage anxiety and decrease the frequency and intensity of intrusive thoughts:
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care by getting adequate SLEEP, eating nutritious meals, hydrate, move your body, and engaging in activities you enjoy. Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being can significantly impact your mental health.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practice mindfulness exercises, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to center yourself and alleviate anxiety symptoms. These techniques can help you stay present and calm amidst intrusive thoughts.
Social Support: Reach out to your spouse, family members, or friends for emotional support. Joining a postpartum support group can also provide a safe space to share your experiences and connect with others going through similar challenges.
Professional Help: If intrusive thoughts become overwhelming, you're struggling to cope, or they begin to cross that line that they sound like a good idea. DO NOT hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapy, counseling, or medication can be valuable tools in managing postpartum anxiety. See below for resources and links.
Seeking Help for Harmful Thoughts
While intrusive thoughts are a common occurrence in postpartum anxiety, it's essential to seek help if you experience persistent and distressing thoughts about harming your baby, especially if they stop becoming horrifying. If you find yourself unable to shake off these thoughts or feel at risk of acting on them, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider immediately. You are not alone, you are not bad mother for getting help, this will only help you in the long run.
If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or your baby here is a list of contacts to assist: Samantha Green, LMHC: (Email) SamanthaGreenLMHC@gmail.com
911 for emergencies: 911
National Suicide and Crisis Number: 988
National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.
Call or Text Postpartum Support International (PSI) HelpLine:1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or Text 1-833-852-6262
Join PSI Support Group: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/
This PSI group is specifically for: Pregnancy and Postpartum Psychosis Support for Survivorshttps://www.postpartum.net/group/pregnancy-and-postpartum-psychosis-support-for-survivors/
Comments