Adored (and critiqued) by millions for the soothing videos that showcase her cooking food from scratch, all while draped in couture, Nara Smith opened up about her struggles with postpartum anxiety in a recent interview.
While social media buzzes with questions about whether Smith’s aesthetic leaned into tradwife culture, we’re diving into the discourse she’s helped spark about the most common complication of childbirth: maternal mental health. Because, though there are so many women like Smith who are too ashamed or afraid to speak up about it, the data tells us that thousands of Black women are suffering.
Did you know that nearly 40 percent of Black mothers face maternal mental health (MMH) conditions like postpartum anxiety?
And, despite being twice as likely to experience MMH conditions compared to white women, Black mothers are only half as likely to receive treatment because of barriers such as:
- Systemic racism
- Cultural stigma
- Biased screening tools
- Medical system mistrust
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What is postpartum anxiety?
“I didn’t tell my midwife because sometimes I have a hard time conveying hard emotions… I want to be seen as this collected, strong woman.”
– Nara Smith
Postpartum anxiety is a common mental health condition marked by constant, overwhelming worry, fear, or panic after having (or adopting) a baby.
With one in five women suffering from this condition, it’s time for us to reconcile the sheer normalcy of postpartum anxiety with the stigma that surrounds it.
As Smith expressed, many women feel pressured to be the perfect mother, and that unrealistic ideal leads them to suppress their feelings of anxiety or fear. Like a never-ending loop, the silence can exacerbate their symptoms, making it even more challenging to get help.
De-stigmatization starts with awareness, then simple, safe conversations.
Whether you’re a new mom, a husband, or a trusted family member, knowing what to look out for is a great place to start!
Postpartum anxiety symptoms
The most common symptoms of postpartum anxiety are:
- Constant worry: Fixating on worst-case scenarios or irrational fears about the baby’s safety.
- Racing thoughts: An endless loop of “what if” questions that will not slow down.
- Intrusive thoughts: Sudden, scary images or thoughts of harm coming to the infant.
- Irritability and rage: Snapping, feeling easily agitated, or experiencing sudden anger.
- Feeling on edge: An inability to relax, calm down, or sit still.
What causes postpartum anxiety?
“On a physical level, your hormones plummet. That’s just what it is.”
– Nara Smith
Postpartum anxiety is often caused by a complex interplay of physical, emotional, and situational factors that can overwhelm new mothers. The transition to motherhood brings immense joy, but it also introduces significant challenges that can trigger anxiety.
Here are some of the primary contributors:
- Hormone changes: Estrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply right after birth, affecting brain chemistry and mood.
- Lack of sleep: Caring for a baby 24/7 stops deep rest, keeping the brain on high alert.
- Feelings of responsibility: A strong, constant need to keep the fragile baby safe.
- Stressful events: Hard events such as trouble with feeding, a tough birth, or a sick infant.
Derealization: The rarely discussed anxiety trigger
“It was one of the most scary experiences postpartum for me because it genuinely felt like everything was a dream…”
“I don’t feel like I’m here. Am I here? I looked at him one night… like, ‘Did I die?’”
– Nara Smith
Derealization, or a type of mental disconnect where the outside world feels dreamlike, foggy, or distorted, frequently occurs as a dissociative byproduct of severe postpartum anxiety.
While navigating a distorted reality can feel bizarre, derealization serves as a psychological defense mechanism, helping your brain cope with overwhelming fear or distress. Sleep deprivation (an inevitability for most moms) can also trigger or worsen derealization.
Common signs of derealization include:
- Feeling detached: A sense of being disconnected from reality, as if observing life from a distance.
- Altered perception: Objects may appear distorted, blurry, or unusually distant.
- Emotional numbness: A lack of emotional response to events that would typically elicit feelings.
- Time distortion: A feeling that time is moving too quickly or slowly.
- Difficulty focusing: Trouble concentrating on tasks or conversations, leading to feelings of confusion.
Derealization vs. Postpartum Psychosis
It’s very important to differentiate between derealization and psychosis, as they are distinct experiences:
- Derealization is a dissociative symptom that can occur in response to anxiety or stress, characterized by a feeling of detachment from reality but without losing touch with it.
- Postpartum psychosis, on the other hand, involves a break from reality, where individuals may experience hallucinations or delusions. This can manifest as seeing or hearing things that are not there or having distorted beliefs about oneself or the world.
If you or someone you love is experiencing psychosis:
- Seek Immediate Help: Contact a healthcare professional or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Involve Trusted Individuals: Inform a partner, family member, or close friend about the situation so they can provide support and assistance.
- Avoid Isolation: Surround yourself with supportive people to help lessen feelings of fear and confusion.
While grounding techniques and breathing exercises can help relieve derealization, thanking your body for trying to keep you safe in its own little way is an amazing place to start!
Simple tips to ease postpartum anxiety
Navigating the winding turns of postpartum anxiety can feel daunting. But remember, you are not alone. Here are some practical tips to support you on your journey to recovery:
1. Yoga to Relax
Yoga is a wonderful way to reconnect with your body and mind. Gentle stretching and mindful breathing can help release tension and promote relaxation. Even just a few minutes of yoga each day can create a calming routine that centers you. Consider joining a local class or following online sessions designed specifically for new moms. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about finding peace in the moment.
2. Talk to a Trusted Friend or Family Member
Sometimes, just sharing what you’re feeling can lighten the load. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member who can listen without judgment. Talking about your experiences can provide relief and remind you that you’re not alone. It’s okay to lean on your support network—after all, we all need a little help sometimes!
3. Eat Nutritious Meals
Nourishing your body with healthy meals can significantly impact your mood and energy levels. Focus on balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Preparing simple, nutritious snacks can also keep your energy up throughout the day.
4. Postpartum Support International
Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support. Postpartum Support International (PSI) is an excellent resource for mothers experiencing postpartum anxiety. They provide valuable information, support groups, and connections to local professionals who specialize in maternal mental health.
Conversation Starters for Postpartum Mothers and Loved Ones
Opening up about postpartum anxiety can feel daunting, but having the right words can make a significant difference. Whether you’re a new mother wanting to express your feelings or a loved one seeking to support someone you care about, these conversation starters can help facilitate meaningful discussions.
For Mothers Wanting to Talk About Their Postpartum Anxiety
“I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, and I’d like to share what’s been on my mind.”
“I’ve noticed that I’m having a hard time enjoying things lately. Can we talk about it?”
“Sometimes I feel anxious about being a new mom, and I’d love to hear your thoughts or advice.”
For Loved Ones Concerned About a Family Member
“I’ve noticed you seem a bit different since the baby arrived. How are you really feeling?”
“I’m here for you if you want to talk. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes.”
“I read about postpartum anxiety and thought of you. Would you like to chat about it?”
Bridging the gap between high postpartum anxiety rates and increased treatment begins with us. By fostering dialogue and support, we can create a nurturing environment for mothers everywhere. So, let the convos commence!
