Postpartum Anxiety vs. Postpartum Depression: What’s the Difference?

The mental health of new mothers is crucial, but unfortunately, it is an often overlooked aspect of postpartum care. Being a new mom is hard for many reasons. Mental health can decline after having a baby due to a combination of physical, emotional, genetic factors, and social changes. Hormonal shifts, including a drop in estrogen and progesterone, can affect mood and energy levels. Sleep deprivation, stress from new responsibilities, and the pressure to care for a newborn. All of this can lead to feelings of anxiety, exhaustion, and even depression.

Additionally, many new parents experience a lack of support, social isolation, or feelings of inadequacy. This can contribute to poor mental health and low self-worth. Postpartum depression and anxiety are common conditions that require attention and support to ensure both the parent’s and baby’s well-being. They are commonly diagnosed. It’s suggested that 1 in 5 moms experience some sort of clinically diagnosed anxiety or depression after childbirth. Let us take a deeper look below.

What is postpartum depression, and how is it diagnosed?

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that affects some individuals after childbirth, causing feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with daily life and the ability to care for the baby. It goes beyond the “baby blues.” This includes mild mood swings and emotional distress that typically resolve within a couple of weeks. PPD can develop within the first few weeks after delivery or even months later.

At Mountain Vista Psychology in Colorado, PPD is diagnosed through a combination of self-reported symptoms and clinical interviews. We also use screening tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Severe fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, feelings of worthlessness, and even thoughts of self-harm can occur. A proper diagnosis is essential to ensure the individual receives appropriate treatment, which may include therapy, medication, or support groups.

What is postpartum anxiety, and how is it diagnosed?

It’s important to recognize distinctions and overcome common misconceptions about both maternal mental health concerns to obtain an appropriate diagnosis. Postpartum anxiety (PPA) is a condition that causes excessive worry, fear, and nervousness after childbirth. Unlike postpartum depression (PPD), which is characterized by deep sadness and hopelessness, PPA is marked by persistent and overwhelming anxiety. It can interfere with daily life and a parent’s ability to care for their baby. It can also manifest as constant worry about the baby’s health and safety, racing thoughts, restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Some may even experience physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

Postpartum anxiety is diagnosed by a healthcare provider through clinical evaluation, including discussions about symptoms, medical history, and screening tools like the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire or other standardized mental health assessments. A diagnosis is made when symptoms are persistent, excessive, and significantly impact daily life. Early recognition and treatment, such as therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support groups, can help manage postpartum anxiety effectively.

How is postpartum anxiety different from postpartum depression?

Postpartum anxiety (PPA) and postpartum depression (PPD) are both mental health conditions that can occur after childbirth, but they have distinct differences. PPA is primarily characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, and racing thoughts, often leading to physical symptoms like restlessness, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty sleeping. In contrast, PPD involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or joy in life, sometimes accompanied by withdrawal from loved ones and difficulty bonding with the baby.

While our maternal mental health counselors recognize that both conditions interfere with daily life and parenting, anxiety consists of overwhelming fears and a need for control. Conversely, depression manifests as deep emotional distress and a sense of emptiness. Please keep in mind that some individuals may experience both conditions simultaneously. Both may require a comprehensive approach to treatment, including therapy, medication, and support.

Learn More About Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression Therapy in Colorado

If you are struggling with maternal mental health issues after having a baby, it is important to seek support and take steps toward recovery. Seeking professional help from a therapist, counselor, or doctor can provide you with coping strategies, therapy, or medication if needed! Reach out to Mountain Vista Psychology today to talk with a highly trained mental health professional.

• Schedule a free phone consultation for help with postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression.
• Begin meeting with an experienced and compassionate maternal mental health therapist.
• Enjoy bonding with your baby as you learn how to overcome postpartum anxiety and depression.

Explore Other Mountain Vista Psychology Therapy Services in Greenwood Village, Littleton, Englewood, & Denver, CO

At our Colorado counseling clinics, we commit ourselves to helping individuals achieve mental and emotional wellness. We provide maternal mental health therapy to guide and support you through every stage of motherhood. In addition, our experienced clinicians offer a variety of counseling services, including adult counseling, teen counseling, child counseling, family therapy, and parent support. Our therapists also specialize in treating anxiety and depression. We proudly offer neurofeedback therapy, including targeted neurofeedback for anxiety, ADHD, sports or performance enhancement, and concussion/TBI recovery. Our team also conducts thorough evaluations for ADHD, Autism, and learning disabilities. For more information, be sure to check out our Mountain Vista blog for helpful insights!

Dr. Steffanie Stecker

Dr. Steffanie Stecker a licensed psychologist and the owner and clinical director of Mountain Vista Psychology, PLLC.

In addition, she is a board certified neurotherapist (BCN E5669) and board certified in QEEG (QEEG-D). Less than 100 people world wide are board certified in QEEG, which indicates competency in reading QEEGs and choosing neurofeedback protocols. Dr. Stecker is passionate about brain based effective therapy and creating a safe relationship for her clients to create change. She loves what she gets to do each day!

www.mountainvistapsychology.com/