Postpartum Rage: What’s Normal—and When to Seek Support
As featured in The Bump. The Bump asked me to explain postpartum rage, what is normal, and when to seek support.
Postpartum rage is a sudden, intense reaction of anger that often feels out of your control. It is common, it is different from the ongoing low mood of postpartum depression, and the two can occur together. Therapy helps you let go of self-blame, understand your triggers, and manage your reactions.
“Symptoms of postpartum rage include an unexpected and quick reaction of intense anger.”Rachel Goldberg, LMFT, PMH-C, to The Bump
What postpartum rage feels like
Postpartum rage tends to come in brief, intense episodes: an unexpected and quick reaction of anger that can feel outside your control, then guilt afterward. It is often driven by sleep loss, physical recovery, and unmet needs.
How it differs from postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is typically persistent, while rage usually appears in short episodes. They are not mutually exclusive, so rage can be part of a broader picture that includes depression or anxiety.
What helps
- Therapy that helps you release self-blame, understand what triggers the episodes, and learn to manage your feelings.
- Relaxation techniques as an added coping strategy.
- Medication, when appropriate. I support medication for parents diagnosed with postpartum depression, anxiety, or related perinatal mood conditions, in consultation with a prescriber.
- Rest, shared caregiving, and asking for help before you hit your limit.
When to reach out right away
If your anger frightens you, if you worry about hurting yourself or your baby, or if it is happening often, contact a professional now. In an emergency, call 988 or your local emergency number. Postpartum Support International also runs a helpline at 1-800-944-4773.
Read the full article on The Bump
Related reading
- There's No One Right Way: The Secrets New Moms Deserve to Hear
- Postpartum Intrusive Thoughts: Are They Normal?
Frequently asked questions
Is postpartum rage normal?
It is common, and it responds well to support. Needing help does not mean you are failing as a parent.
What is the difference between postpartum rage and postpartum depression?
Rage tends to show up in sudden, brief episodes of intense anger, while depression is more persistent. The two can occur together, so a perinatal therapist can help sort out what is going on.
Ready for support?
If anger or overwhelm has become part of your days after having a baby, I provide perinatal and postpartum therapy.
