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Anxiety

Why am I always on edge?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, and physical symptoms like restlessness, tension, and rapid heartbeat. While general anxiety can affect anyone at any stage of life, perinatal anxiety specifically occurs during pregnancy or postpartum, bringing unique challenges. Both types share core symptoms, such as persistent fear and difficulty controlling worry, but perinatal anxiety often includes additional concerns related to the baby’s health, parenting abilities, and intrusive thoughts of harm. Unlike general anxiety, which may be triggered by various life stressors, perinatal anxiety is strongly influenced by hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the intense transition into motherhood. Recognizing these differences is crucial for proper support and treatment, ensuring that new and expecting mothers receive specialized care.

Anxiety can occur alone or alongside other mood disorders, such as major depression.

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health, relationships, or everyday situations. Unlike normal worry, GAD is difficult to control and occurs more days than not for at least six months.

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Symptoms include

  • Restlessness

  • Fatigue

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Irritability

  • Muscle tension

  • Sleep disturbances

 

These symptoms can interfere with daily functioning, making it essential to seek support and treatment.

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Perinatal Anxiety

Perinatal anxiety refers to excessive worry, fear, or panic that occurs during pregnancy or in the postpartum period (up to a year after birth). While some anxiety is normal during this time of life, perinatal anxiety becomes a concern when it is persistent, overwhelming, and interferes with daily functioning.

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Symptoms of Perinatal Anxiety:

  • Excessive worry or racing thoughts, often focused on the baby’s health and safety

  • Restlessness or feeling on edge

  • Difficulty sleeping, even when the baby is asleep

  • Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath

  • Avoidance of situations that may trigger anxiety (e.g., leaving the house, being alone with the baby)

  • Panic attacks (sudden episodes of intense fear, heart palpitations, sweating, or feeling out of control)

  • Intrusive thoughts – unwanted, distressing thoughts about harm coming to the baby (important to note that these thoughts do not indicate intent to harm)

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How is Anxiety Diagnosed?

A diagnosis is made by a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or mental health professional, through:

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  • Clinical Interview – Discussing symptoms, duration, severity, and their impact on daily life.

  • Screening Tools – Questionnaires like the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) or Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) may be used.

  • Differentiation from Normal Worry – Occasional worry is expected during pregnancy and postpartum, but perinatal anxiety involves persistent, uncontrollable fears that interfere with daily life.

  • Therapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) can be highly effective.

  • Medication – Some antidepressants and mood stabilizers are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

  • Lifestyle & Support – Social support, proper nutrition, and sleep hygiene play critical roles in recovery.

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Risks of Treatment vs. Non-Treatment

Risks of Treatment vs. Non-Treatment

Risks of Treatment vs. Non-Treatment

Treatment Options May Include:

  • Therapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches are highly effective.

  • Medication – Some anti-anxiety medications and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

  • Lifestyle Changes – Stress management techniques, sleep support, and social support can improve outcomes.

Risks of Treatment

  • Medication side effects – Some medications may have mild risks but are often outweighed by the dangers of untreated illness.

  • Adjustment period – Finding the right medication or therapy approach may take time.

Risks of
Non-Treatment

For the Mother

  • Increased risk of postpartum depression

  • Chronic sleep disturbances leading to exhaustion and burnout

  • Increased risk of substance use or self-medicating behaviors

  • Difficulty bonding with the baby due to overwhelming fears

  • Increased risk of developing panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder long-term

Risks of
Non-Treatment

For the Infant

  • Higher likelihood of preterm birth or low birth weight (if anxiety occurs in pregnancy)

  • Increased stress hormones in the baby, potentially affecting brain development

  • Feeding and sleeping difficulties due to maternal distress

  • Disrupted bonding, which may affect emotional regulation and attachment

The Bottom Line:

Untreated mental health conditions pose significant risks to both the client and their family. Seeking professional care leads to better long-term outcomes for the entire family. You are not alone, and help is available.

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​If you’re scared, unsure, or worried about yourself or someone you love, let's chat. It costs nothing to ask for help but that one conversation could change everything​

Change your thoughts.
Change your world.

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