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You’ve probably heard of <\/span>postpartum depression<\/span><\/a> and the impact that it can have on mothers and families. While postpartum depression is certainly worthy of attention and concern, another problem that is important to be aware of is postpartum rage. <\/span><\/p>\n Below, learn all about this condition and what you can do to manage it. <\/span><\/p>\n When we think of postpartum depression, we often imagine symptoms like extreme sadness, crying, and difficulty bonding with the baby. A mother with this condition may feel like she is failing as a parent and may have thoughts of harming herself or her baby.<\/span><\/p>\n It turns out that postpartum depression and anger is also a symptom <\/span>associated with this mood disorder.<\/span><\/a> A mother with postpartum rage may experience anger directed toward herself, her children, or her spouse. <\/span><\/p>\n When you have postpartum rage, it can hurt relationship functioning. You may take anger or rage out on your partner, leaving them stressed and unhappy. <\/span><\/p>\n For example, postpartum anger at your husband may cause you to yell and scream at him, take out frustration on him, or even have difficulty calming down when angry with him. These behaviors can understandably hurt your relationship. <\/span><\/p>\n Postpartum rage is closely linked to postpartum depression. For some women, <\/span>feelings of depression<\/span><\/a> can also lead to anger, irritability, and episodes of rage. <\/span><\/p>\n If you or someone you care about is living with postpartum rage, you’re likely to notice some of the following symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n These symptoms may occur alongside other postpartum depression symptoms, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n If you’re dealing with postpartum<\/span>,<\/span> you will<\/span> likely experience<\/span><\/a> many of the symptoms above. To be considered postpartum depression, symptoms must begin during pregnancy or within four weeks after you give birth. <\/span><\/p>\n Before diving into how to deal with postpartum rage, it’s helpful to understand what causes this condition. Some common causes of postpartum anger and rage include:<\/span><\/p>\n The truth is that bringing a baby into this world can be a joyful experience, but it also leads to significant life changes. Suddenly, it would be best if you cared for another human being around-the-clock, and your time is no longer yours. <\/span><\/p>\n You no longer have time to participate in hobbies, relax in front of the TV, or go to the gym to work out. Every hour of every day is dedicated to caring for this newborn who relies on you for everything. You may even struggle to find time to take a shower!<\/span><\/p>\n These changes, combined with hormonal shifts and lack of sleep, can set you up for<\/span> unpleasant emotions, including anger.<\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Jennifer Schulz<\/a>, PhD in Psychology, states, <\/span><\/p>\n The body undergoes enormous changes after giving birth, and once the family is at home with a new baby, their entire lifestyle changes. <\/span>Adjusting to these changes can understandably be challenging, causing shifts in mood and difficulties regulating emotions.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Treatment for postpartum rage typically includes the same treatment methods used for postpartum depression. These treatment modalities are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n Antidepressant medications may be beneficial for mothers coping with postpartum rage. These medications can normalize brain chemistry and stabilize <\/span>negative emotions<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Schulz<\/a> says, <\/span><\/p>\n Postpartum depression and rage are common, so you shouldn’t feel ashamed for experiencing these symptoms.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Working with a therapist can also benefit mothers dealing with postpartum rage symptoms. In therapy sessions, you can learn how to cope with strong emotions and strategies for identifying and managing your triggers.<\/span><\/p>\n Postpartum depression <\/span>support groups<\/span><\/a> can be an informal type of postpartum rage treatment. In support group meetings, you can learn from others coping with similar struggles and share your experiences in a nonjudgmental setting. <\/span><\/p>\n While some combination of therapy, medication, and support groups is often beneficial for treating postpartum depression rage, some women experience severe symptoms. In this case, there are alternative treatment options available.<\/span><\/p>\n One form of treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), may be beneficial for mothers who experience postpartum depression and rage. This non-invasive method uses magnetic waves to stimulate brain cells involved in depression.<\/span><\/p>\n Another option for patients whose postpartum depression symptoms do not improve is to undergo ECT or electroconvulsive therapy. You can talk with your doctor about this method of treatment. <\/span><\/p>\n Beyond seeking treatment, there are strategies you can use to cope with postpartum rage. Consider some of the tips below:<\/span><\/p>\n You may be upset with yourself or feel like you’re a bad mother if you experience postpartum rage. Try to be kind to yourself. <\/span><\/p>\n Remember, you just gave birth to another human life, and you’re coping with a lack of sleep, stress, and changes to your body as you also care for a baby who needs around-the-clock attention. <\/span><\/p>\n Beating yourself up for <\/span>feeling anger<\/span><\/a> or having a short temper will likely only make matters worse. Remember, you’ve just experienced some significant life changes, so it’s only natural that you don’t feel quite like yourself. <\/span><\/p>\n Postpartum rage symptoms will likely be worse if you’re overwhelmed. Instead of trying to do it yourself, reach out for help. Chances are that grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other members of your village will welcome the opportunity to spend time with the baby. <\/span><\/p>\n Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and accept offers from others who want to help. Raising a baby isn’t a task meant to be done on your own.<\/span><\/p>\n You’ve probably heard this before, and it’s true. You might feel compelled to get things done when the baby sleeps, but you need to rest whenever possible. The dishes can wait; take a nap, and you’ll probably be less short-tempered. <\/span><\/p>\n Having a new baby changes everything; suddenly, you have little time for yourself and probably have to give up most of your interests. This sudden shift can also lead to feelings of postpartum anger. <\/span><\/p>\n Certainly, you’ll have to be intentional and plan your time carefully, but you can work small moments of <\/span>self-care<\/span><\/a> into your life. It may be as simple as putting a baby in a stroller and walking so you get some time outdoors and a little physical activity. <\/span><\/p>\n Making time for self-care can relieve some of your stress and make it easier to cope with the shifts that come with new motherhood. <\/span><\/p>\n Gone are the days of spontaneous trips or fancy date nights, but you can still make time to go out to dinner with your spouse or partner. Hire a babysitter or drop the baby off with the grandparents once a month so you and your partner can have a date-night, baby-free baby.<\/span><\/p>\n Taking time to go out together can help you to maintain your connection and recover from some of the side effects of postpartum rage. <\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about dealing with postpartum rage in this video:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>What does it mean when you have postpartum rage in your relationship?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>Postpartum rage symptoms<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n<\/span>Causes of postpartum rage<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>Postpartum rage treatment <\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n1. Medication <\/b><\/h3>\n
2. Therapy <\/b><\/h3>\n
Related Reading: <\/i><\/b>How Seeing a Therapist Can Improve Your Life<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
3. Support groups<\/b><\/h3>\n
Other treatment options<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/span>How to cope with postpartum rage <\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Give yourself some grace<\/b><\/h3>\n
2. Ask for help<\/b><\/h3>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> How to Ask for Support From Your Partner When You Need It<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
3. Sleep when the baby sleeps<\/b><\/h3>\n
4. Find small moments of self-care<\/b><\/h3>\n
5. Plan date nights<\/b><\/h3>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> The Importance of Date Night in a Marriage and Tips to Make It Happen<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n