Postpartum Anxiety vs. Postpartum Depression: What’s the Difference?
Bringing a baby into the world is often painted as a joyful experience—but for many new moms, it’s far more complicated. You might feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or even unlike yourself. And if you’ve found yourself asking, “Is this just normal new mom stress, or something more?” you’re not alone.
Two of the most common challenges new mothers face are postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. While they can overlap, they’re not the same. Understanding the difference can help you recognize what you’re experiencing and get the support you need.
The “Baby Blues” vs. Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
First, it’s important to know that up to 80% of new moms experience the “baby blues.” This usually looks like mood swings, tearfulness, and heightened emotions in the first two weeks after birth.
But if your symptoms last longer than two weeks—or feel more intense—you may be experiencing a Perinatal Mental Health Condition. Two of the most common PMHCs are postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression.
What Is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety often shows up as constant worry and fear, even when there’s no clear reason for it. It can feel like your mind is always “on alert,” scanning for danger or running through worst-case scenarios.
Common signs of postpartum anxiety include:
Racing thoughts that won’t quiet down
Feeling restless or unable to relax
Physical symptoms like a pounding heart, nausea, or shortness of breath
Difficulty sleeping even when your baby sleeps
Fear of being left alone with your baby
Intrusive thoughts or mental images of something bad happening
Learn more about Perinatal Anxiety Therapy
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is more than just sadness—it can feel like a heavy fog that makes it hard to connect with your baby, your partner, or even yourself.
Common signs of postpartum depression include:
Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Feeling detached from your baby (“I don’t feel bonded”)
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Thoughts of worthlessness, shame, or guilt
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Difficulty functioning in daily life
Can You Have Both?
Yes. Many moms experience a blend of anxiety and depression. You may feel consumed with worry and weighed down by sadness. This overlap is why it’s so important to work with a therapist who specializes in maternal mental health—someone who can see the whole picture and tailor support to your unique needs.
How Therapy Helps
Therapy provides a safe, supportive space to make sense of what you’re going through. In sessions, we might work on:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Challenging anxious or self-critical thoughts
Mindfulness & grounding: Learning how to calm your body and mind in the moment
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helping you move toward your values, even while symptoms are present
Processing your story: Making sense of your birth experience, expectations, and identity as a new mom
And importantly—you won’t have to figure it out alone.
When to Seek Help
Consider reaching out for therapy if:
Your symptoms last longer than two weeks
You feel like you’re “not yourself”
You’re constantly on edge or deeply sad
You have trouble bonding with your baby
You have thoughts of harming yourself or fear you might accidentally harm your baby
If you ever experience thoughts of suicide or harming your baby, please seek help immediately by calling 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or going to your nearest ER.
You Deserve Support
Struggling after birth does not mean you’re a bad mom—it means you’re human, and you need support.
Therapy can help you feel like yourself again, strengthen your bond with your baby, and give you tools to move through this difficult season with more confidence and calm.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.