As a mom and therapist, I understand that being a new mom is an incredible journey, but also really hard. Amidst the baby giggles and sweet cuddles, there may be moments when you experience unexpected and sometimes unsettling thoughts. In this blog post, we will talk about the difference between intrusive thoughts and impulsive thoughts, their impact on your mental health, and some helpful tips to navigate them.
What are Intrusive Thoughts?
First off, let's clarify what intrusive thoughts are. These are those sneaky and distressing thoughts that unexpectedly pop into your mind, causing anxiety and fear. They might revolve around scenarios you'd never want to happen, like harm coming to your baby or yourself. The important thing to remember is that having these thoughts doesn't make you a bad mom. In fact, they are more common than you might think and are often the exact opposite of what you actually want to happen.
Why Do Intrusive Thoughts Occur?
Intrusive thoughts often happen because of the overwhelming changes and hormonal changes that happen after giving birth. As you bond with your baby, your brain is working overtime to transition to your new role, and sometimes, it can get a little glitchy in the thought department. Remember, it's your brain's way of trying to process the world around you and protect you from danger.
Dealing with Intrusive Thoughts:
When intrusive thoughts hit, it's important to practice self-care and self-compassion. Beating yourself up over the thoughts will only make your stress worse. Instead, acknowledge these thoughts and remind yourself that they are just thoughts, not actions. It means that you are a great mom and you want the opposite of the scary thought to happen. Reach out for support from your husband, friends, or a certified perinatal mental health therapist like me, who can provide validation and help you cope.
Understanding Impulsive Thoughts:
Now, let's move on to impulsive thoughts. Unlike intrusive thoughts, these are sudden urges or impulses to do something without considering the consequences. For instance, you might feel compelled to shop on Amazon, loading up hundreds of dollars of baby gear in your cart while feeding your baby in the middle of the night.
Why Impulsive Thoughts Arise:
Almost all of us have impulsive thoughts at times. The stress and sleep deprivation that come with caring for a newborn can influence your brain's decision-making process and make these thoughts more common. The constant demands of motherhood might leave you feeling triggered by impulsive thoughts as your mind looks for something to occupy itself.
Managing Impulsive Thoughts:
Postpartum motherhood can be hard sometimes. Please remember that impulsive and intrusive thoughts can be completely normal, but they do not define you as a mom. Seek support when needed because you are not alone. As a perinatal mental health therapist, I’m here to remind you that seeking help is a sign of strength.
Conclusion:
Postpartum motherhood can be hard sometimes. Please remember that impulsive and intrusive thoughts can be completely normal, but they do not define you as a mom. Seek support when needed because you are not alone. As a perinatal mental health therapist, I’m here to remind you that seeking help is a sign of strength.
If you would like to talk about more ways I can help during your postpartum journey, please send me a message today! I would love to hear from you!
https://amybraunlcpc.com/christian-counseling-chicago
