Good Moms have Scary Thoughts: Understanding Postpartum OCD and Maternal Anxiety.

Motherhood is often described as a period of joy, happiness, and bonding with baby. However, for many women with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), that is not always the case. Instead, their motherhood journeys can be filled with a lot of anxiety, intrusive thoughts and rituals, fear, and shame. Research suggests that post-partum OCD is more common than many realize, affecting nearly 2-9% of mothers. In this article, we will discuss what OCD in motherhood looks like, as well as when/how to seek treatment.

What Does OCD Look Like in Mothers?

Based on what clinicians know about OCD, we know that the condition is ego-dystonic, meaning that it goes against one’s values, and often targets what one values the most. That is not surprising, then, that for many women, OCD is deeply tied to the well-being and safety of those they value most – their children. Here are some common experiences of moms with OCD:

• Fear of contamination and germs (that may lead to obsessive rituals, such as cleaning to perfection etc)
• Excessive checking (baby’s breathing, monitors, door locks)
• Intrusive thoughts about accidentally or intentionally harming the child (may include violent images and thoughts that are deeply distressing to moms)
• Avoidance of certain objects and situations (bath time, stairs, sharp objects)
• Mental rituals to temporarily relieve distressing thoughts

What is the Difference Between Normal Mom Anxiety and OCD?

It’s important to acknowledge that some degree of worry and anxiety is normal in motherhood, especially during the post-partum period. Taking care of a new human life that is completely dependent on you for survival is a huge responsibility. However, with OCD, the worry does not stop; the brain gets obsessed with certainty and reassurance, making mom’s life absolutely miserable. Here are some examples of normal worry vs. OCD:

All of these obsessions (repetitive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors) that are seen with OCD are deeply distressing to mothers and are often kept secret due to fears of judgement and even losing custody. However, it’s important to realize that these intrusive thoughts and behaviors are not reflections of character or mother’s identity, and that silence can exacerbate the disorder. Seeking help is an act of deep love – for yourself and your child.

How Can Moms Find Healing from OCD?

The good news is that OCD is treatable! As a clinician who specializes in treating OCD, I employ “the gold standard” therapies for OCD, such as the Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), both of which are proven to be highly effective in treatment of OCD.

OCD can often get misdiagnosed as generalized anxiety, depression, or another disorder by clinicians who aren’t particularly trained in OCD. That is why it is crucial to work with a therapist who understands the intricacies of OCD and can address the root of the problem. At our practice, we focus on measurable outcomes and evidence-based care. Therapy can be performed virtually, in the comfort of your own home, and still reach the desired outcomes.

If you’re reading this and recognizing yourself or a loved one, please know that nothing is “wrong” with you or them. OCD is a condition, not a personality trait. Please reach out today for a complimentary 15-min consultation to start your journey of healing. Motherhood lasts a lifetime, and you deserve to enjoy it.