Postpartum rage is characterized by episodes of extreme anger, irritability, and aggression during the postpartum period. While postpartum rage isn’t a standalone mood disorder, it’s an often-overlooked symptom you might experience if you’re suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum anxiety (PPA). Symptoms can include feelings of powerlessness, outbursts that feel uncharacteristic for you, and increased instances of yelling. Postpartum rage is treatable by addressing the underlying mental health condition that’s contributing to your feelings of anger – this most often includes therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What is postpartum rage?
- What are the symptoms of postpartum rage?
- What causes postpartum rage?
- What is the treatment for postpartum rage?
- How to cope with postpartum rage
For many moms, those early days with a baby are full of happiness and joy (and exhaustion!), but there’s a complex range of emotions that can occur in the postpartum period – including sadness, anxiety, indifference, and even rage. As awareness of maternal mental health issues grows, discussions about “mom rage” in particular are becoming more mainstream among media outlets and in pop culture.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents and caregivers is no doubt part of the reason for widespread recognition that moms are angry, but mom rage isn’t a new phenomenon. In fact, experiencing feelings of uncontrollable anger and postpartum rage can be a sign of a serious mood disorder that may require treatment.
What is postpartum rage?
Postpartum rage is generally defined as feelings of extreme anger and irritability during the postpartum period. Postpartum rage isn’t an official perinatal mental health disorder, but it can be a sign of postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum anxiety (PPA). In rare cases, postpartum rage may also be linked to bipolar disorder or postpartum psychosis.
Episodes of rage or fury are often overlooked when healthcare providers screen for perinatal mood disorders. That’s because the traditional depressive symptoms like excessive crying, sadness, and hopelessness are more commonly associated with disorders like postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. But research suggests that anger is a noticeable symptom among new parents who are experiencing clinical depression or anxiety.
What are the symptoms of postpartum rage?
Everyone experiences anger and rage a bit differently, but in general, you may feel on edge and find that you lash out in ways that are uncharacteristic for you.
Other symptoms of postpartum rage include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Extreme irritability
- Feelings of powerlessness
- Episodes of fury or rage that feel uncontrollable
- Violent urges, like wanting to throw or break things
- Increased instances of yelling or cursing
In addition to angry outbursts, you may also experience other symptoms of postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety, including:
- A lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Social isolation or withdrawal from loved ones
- Excessive crying
- Excessive worrying
- Feelings of worthlessness
What causes postpartum rage?
Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes postpartum rage. Some researchers theorize that depression can bring on feelings of rage, or vice versa. In general, research indicates that feeling powerless over your situation – in addition to feeling like the expectations of motherhood versus what you’re really experiencing aren’t matching up – can contribute to anger.
Feelings of rage that may accompany a postpartum mood disorder aren’t your fault, and there may be several factors outside of your control that are contributing to your emotions. Factors that can increase your risk of developing PPD or PPA include:
- A family history of depression or anxiety
- A previous depressive episode during pregnancy or the postpartum period
- Underlying mental health concerns, such as borderline personality disorder
- Lack of a social support system
- Experiencing a traumatic birth or having a child with complex medical needs
- Sleep deprivation
What is the treatment for postpartum rage?
Postpartum rage is affiliated with mood disorders like postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, and the good news is that both of these conditions are treatable; and with the right treatment and support, you can and will feel better.
Because symptoms of depression and anxiety, like anger, can manifest differently in different people, the exact course of treatment for you may look different than it does for someone else. Your OB or primary healthcare provider can discuss your symptoms with you, recommend possible treatment options, and refer you to a mental health therapist if needed.
Treatment for postpartum rage usually involves treating the mood disorder that is causing the angry outbursts, most commonly depression and/or anxiety. The standard course of treatment for PPD and PPA involves therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
The preferred form of therapy for PPD and PPA is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy is aimed at examining the thought processes that may be contributing to your depression or anxiety and helping you reshape those thoughts in a positive manner. Medication for PPD and PPA that may help ease episodes of postpartum rage can include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or fast-acting anxiety relievers like a benzodiazepine.
How long postpartum rage may last can vary by individual, but in general, most people who receive treatment for a postpartum mood disorder start to feel better within a few weeks or months. However, the longer it takes to receive a diagnosis and begin treatment, the longer symptoms will persist.
Even if you aren’t sure if your feelings of postpartum rage are part of a mood disorder, it doesn’t hurt to talk with your healthcare provider; they can help you determine how disruptive your symptoms are to your daily life and whether you might benefit from specialized treatment.
How to cope with postpartum rage
Dealing with feelings of rage and managing your emotions is a challenge for anyone, but it can be especially tricky during the postpartum period when your hormones are in flux and you aren’t sleeping regularly. Be gentle with yourself during this time and take it day by day.
In addition to reaching out to a medical professional, there are some lifestyle adjustments you can make to help you cope with feelings of rage, as well as decrease other symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Here are some tips to help take care of yourself during this time and protect your mental health:
Prioritize your sleep. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate symptoms of PPD and PPA, including anger. Getting uninterrupted stretches of sleep with a new baby is undoubtedly a challenge, but try to lean on your partner or other loved ones to help with the baby at night so you can get the rest you need.
Fuel yourself with proper nutrition. Loss of appetite is a common symptom of postpartum depression, but eating well can play an important role in helping stabilize your mood. You don’t need to put unnecessary pressure on yourself to cook an elaborate meal, but try to remember to eat, and keep quick and healthy snacks handy that you can reach for throughout the day, like yogurt and granola, apples and peanut butter, or cheese sticks and carrots.
Move your body. It’s important to ease back into exercise after giving birth and not overdo it, but a leisurely walk, even just around the block, can do wonders for lifting your mood. (A little fresh air can also help you reset after a stressful moment and feel calmer.)
Accept help. When friends or family offer to drop off a meal or wash your dishes, let them. This can be hard if you aren’t used to letting others help you, but allowing your loved ones to show up for you and take tasks off your plate can not only ease your stress but help you feel supported and seen. You can always return the favor once you’re feeling better and someone you love needs a helping hand.
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