As a new mom, you may find that you experience intrusive thoughts, which are unwanted and often disturbing thoughts that can be difficult to control. These thoughts may range from worries about your baby's safety to fears about your own abilities as a mother. It's important to know that intrusive thoughts are a common experience during the peripartum period, affecting up to 88% of new mothers (Abramowitz, 2018; Salkovskis et al., 2016).
Although intrusive thoughts can be distressing, they are usually a normal part of adjusting to motherhood. In fact, many new moms experience intrusive thoughts but don't talk about them due to feelings of shame or guilt. These thoughts do not necessarily mean that you are a bad mother or that you will act on them, and they do not necessarily indicate a serious mental health condition.
One example of an intrusive thought might be suddenly picturing your baby falling down the stairs or being harmed in some way. This thought may come out of nowhere and feel very frightening, even though you know it's unlikely to happen. It's important to remember that these thoughts are not a reflection of your intentions or desires, and they do not mean that you are a bad mother.
So, what can you do if you experience intrusive thoughts? First and foremost, it's important to recognize that these thoughts are common and that you are not alone. Talking to a trusted friend or family member, a therapist, or a healthcare provider can be helpful in providing support and perspective.
There are also a number of coping strategies that may be useful, such as mindfulness techniques, grounding exercises, and cognitive behavioral therapy. These techniques can help you learn to tolerate and manage intrusive thoughts, and they can be especially effective when practiced with the guidance of a mental health professional.
In summary, intrusive thoughts are a common experience for new moms, and they do not necessarily indicate a serious mental health condition. By understanding what intrusive thoughts are and learning how to cope with them, you can feel more confident and empowered in your motherhood journey.
References:
Abramowitz, J. S. (2018). Understanding and treating perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder: A review. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 63(2), 171-180.
Salkovskis, P. M., Forrester, E., & Richards, C. (2016). Cognitive-behavioural therapy for perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 10, 40-47.
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