More women are becoming aware of postpartum depression. It is a common medical issue that women face postpartum. Did you know that rage can be a symptom of postpartum depression?
Let’s find out more about “mom rage”.
Postpartum depression occurs in 1 out of 5 women!
Symptoms of postpartum depression that are more well known include:
Crying, often for no reason
Depressed mood
Loss of pleasure
Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
Thoughts of death or suicide
Thoughts of hurting someone else
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Postpartum rage or anger is a symptom of postpartum depression. Many women are not aware that this could be a sign of postpartum depression.
Yet, anger and rage is commonly reported. This is difficult for moms because it seems to come on suddenly and from nowhere.
Anger may be expressed toward oneself, toward children, and/or toward other family members (mother, spouse).
What may postpartum rage look like?
Screaming or swearing more often
Trouble controlling your temper
Physical actions such as throwing things
Experiencing violent thoughts or urges
Feeling a flood of emotions afterwards, including shame and guilt
You are not a bad mom if you are experiencing postpartum rage and anger.
However, it is important to talk to a counselor or healthcare provider and get screened for postpartum depression.
Untreated postpartum depression can impact not only your physical and mental health but can impact your child and your relationship. Anger and rage can also impact your children and relationships.
A study found common themes with women who experienced postpartum anger or rage.
Feeling of powerlessness
Mismatch between expectations of motherhood and reality
Feeling unheard
Judged about parenting choices (breastfeeding vs formula, sleep training vs not)
Feeling let down by friends, family members, and healthcare providers.
The shame and guilt you may feel is a big part of postpartum depression and rage.
You may not understand this feeling of anger and rage and therefore think you are a terrible mother.
Remember!
This is not your fault. You are a good mother.
You have a medical issue that needs treatment.
If you are experiencing postpartum depression and postpartum rage the good news is that treatment can help.
Common treatment includes:
Psychotherapy and counseling
Group therapy
Medication such as antidepressants
In addition to seeking treatment for postpartum depression and rage here are some tips to help you manage.
Take some breaks - Ask for help you care for your baby so you can take some needed breaks.
Get sleep - Make sleep a priority. When you get the time to sleep make use of it! Take a nap when baby naps, go to bed early on the weekends, sleep in when you can.
Get outside - Take a short stroll with your baby to help release and manage your feelings.
Let it go - You don’t have to have a perfectly clean house, or meet social obligations like you once did. Let go of the unimportant tasks and focus on the important things like you, your baby and your relationship!
Know your “rage triggers” - Try to be more aware of what triggers you so you can be more mindful during those times you may start feeling that way
Solutions to “triggers” - Maybe some of your triggers are situations that have solutions. Perhaps your partner can help more with the baby, perhaps not viewing social media as much or unfollowing “picture perfect” motherhood posts.
Join a peer group - Just sharing and venting your feelings will begin to help you feel better and less out of control.
You are not alone! Many more women, now more than ever, have postpartum rage and postpartum depression. You are not a failure or a bad mom.
You just need to get support and treatment to get you through this!
Talk to your healthcare provider or reach out to a MaternalWell counselor.
