Can Postpartum Depression Include Postpartum Anger?
While many people may be familiar with the term “postpartum depression,” postpartum anger tends to be less well-known. Although it may not be discussed as frequently, it can also affect those with young babies. Also known as postpartum rage, postpartum anger can be seen as a symptom of postpartum depression that can negatively impact the mental health of a person who has just given birth, as well as other family members. Therapy may be helpful for those experiencing postpartum anger and related mental health challenges.
What is postpartum anger?
Postpartum anger can be defined as a mood disruption that may occur during the postpartum period (the period after giving birth). Someone experiencing postpartum anger or rage may experience intense anger or irritability. They may also display aggression during the weeks or months after delivery. Some research shows that these feelings of rage can occur alongside other conditions, such as postpartum anxiety. In addition, postpartum rage may occur alongside a sense of shame, potentially due to the stigma associated with mental health challenges occurring shortly after childbirth.
Postpartum anger or rage is not currently classified as an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), but it tends to be recognized by mental health professionals and can be treated. Changes in mood are not unusual for new parents, and childbirth can lead to hormonal changes, as well as other physical fluctuations that can contribute to mood swings. Add in poor sleep patterns, the responsibilities of caring for a newborn, and, in some cases, a lack of emotional support, and emotional shifts can be understandable.
Symptoms of postpartum anger
Symptoms of postpartum rage or anger are usually experienced on a spectrum of intensity. They can also occur alongside symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- An ongoing urge to scream or lash out at others
- Slamming doors or punching objects
- Frustration over situations that would not typically bother the individual
- A sensation of being on edge
- Having difficulty coping with emotions
- Intense anger toward others
In general, postpartum rage is more than occasionally feeling angry or being easily frustrated. People who have experienced it have expressed that it seems like they experience irritation or anger to the extent that they are ready to boil over at any time.
Common risk factors for postpartum anger
There may be some common risk factors for postpartum anger:
- A lack of emotional or physical postpartum support; a small or nonexistent social safety net
- A difficult pregnancy and/or anxiety while giving birth
- A history of mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, or bipolar disorder
- A family history of postpartum depression or other mental disorders
- Unexpected challenges in caring for the new baby, including difficulty breastfeeding, the baby not sleeping well, or colic
- Experiencing other life transitions or challenges during the postpartum period (losing a job, divorce, the death of a loved one)
Researchers have not discovered a single cause of postpartum anger, but the risk factors discussed above can increase the chance that you or a loved one may experience this condition. Other causes for postpartum rage can include a shift in hormone levels, fears surrounding motherhood or parenthood in general, health conditions, lack of sleep, and changes in a person’s body.
Treatment for postpartum anger
Because postpartum anger is not a clinical diagnosis in the DSM-V, it is typically recognized and diagnosed as one of the symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).
Treatment options for those experiencing postpartum rage can include a combination of strategies recommended by healthcare providers, including those discussed below.
- Talk therapy: Working with a mental healthcare professional may reduce the symptoms of postpartum rage. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a commonly used approach that identifies and adjusts unhelpful thought patterns in order to shift mood and behavior.
- Medication: Your healthcare provider may prescribe an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) in some cases. Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the way you take medication.
- Lifestyle changes: Self-care can be an important strategy to cope with postpartum mood changes. Learning to ask for help with the baby when possible so that you can sleep, rest, and care for your body can help you better manage your feelings.
- Support groups: Meeting with other parents who may be experiencing the same emotions and challenges can be therapeutic and may offer the chance to learn practical tips and strategies.
Which of these treatment options will be recommended usually depends on certain factors, such as symptom severity, whether other emotions are involved, and if there are other adults involved in the child’s and parent’s daily lives.
How you can help a loved one experiencing postpartum anger
If you know someone who is experiencing an angry or irritable mood after the birth of a child, there are some strategies you might try to help them relieve stress.
Listen to them: A person who is experiencing postpartum anger may feel ashamed and alone in their feelings. Allowing them to express themselves can be cathartic. Assure them that what they are feeling is understandable, and that perinatal mood disorders exist. If they haven’t already, encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about their experiences.
Offer practical support: What many new parents require to feel better is time for themselves. Offer to watch the baby so they can shower, eat, or take a nap. Bring meals to take the burden of cooking off their shoulders, or start a meal chain with friends and family members.
Give encouragement: Encourage the new parent to participate in hobbies or other activities that they enjoy. One member of a friend group can take them out while another watches the baby. The person’s spouse could also team up with a friend to get the parent experiencing postpartum anger to a club meeting, sporting event, or class.
What to do if you are experiencing postpartum anger
If you are experiencing postpartum anger, there are some steps you can take to feel better.
Take care of your body and mind: Take time to get outside, weather permitting. Taking a walk with the baby and getting some fresh air can be helpful. Try to eat regular, nutritious meals. Nourishing your body can help you feel better.
Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family members for help. It can be difficult to ask for help, but assistance from your loved ones can make a difference when it comes to stress management.
Check out resources for perinatal mood disorders: Several websites can help you navigate postpartum anger.
- International postpartum support through Postpartum Support International (PSI), with a phone crisis line and text support line for anyone seeking help during the postpartum period
- The online community Motherhood Understood, which can be found on various social media platforms and is primarily made up of people who have experienced perinatal depression and can offer support and understanding
Seek professional help: In some cases, postpartum anger can become overwhelming and may not be manageable using lifestyle changes alone. Postpartum rage, when treated with the help of a licensed therapist, may be shorter in duration, thanks to the support and coping skills gained throughout the therapy process.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment for perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum anger.
However, many new parents may find it difficult to schedule and attend in-person therapy sessions. Online therapy can be a convenient solution that allows you to meet with your therapist from home at a time that works for you.
Furthermore, studies suggest that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy.
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