The Silent Struggle: Why More Mums Are Experiencing Postnatal Anxiety (And What Can Help)

The Hidden Side of Postnatal Mental Health

We hear a lot about postnatal depression, but what about postnatal anxiety?

I didn’t even realise I had it at first. I thought it was just part of being a new mum—the constant worrying, the racing thoughts, the overwhelming sense that something could go wrong at any moment.

But when I found myself struggling to sleep even when my baby was sleeping, when I couldn’t relax even in “calm” moments, when the anxiety started to feel heavier than the exhaustion—I knew something wasn’t right.

And I wasn’t alone.

So many of the mums I meet at Nest Glasgow tell me the same thing:

“I was expecting baby blues, but no one told me about the constant panic.”

“I thought it was normal to feel this on edge all the time.”

“I didn’t realise I had anxiety until I started talking to other mums and saw that they weren’t all feeling this way.”

Postnatal anxiety is just as real as postnatal depression—but it’s often missed, ignored, or brushed off as “just being an overprotective mum.”

And that needs to change.

What Does Postnatal Anxiety Feel Like?

Anxiety in motherhood can show up in so many ways, but here are some of the most common signs:

• Constant worry. Not just normal parental concern, but obsessive, racing thoughts that won’t switch off.

• Feeling “on edge” all the time. Like your body is constantly bracing for something bad to happen.

• Difficulty sleeping—even when the baby sleeps. Your mind just won’t switch off.

• Physical symptoms. A racing heart, tension in your chest, nausea, headaches—anxiety isn’t just in your mind, it’s in your body too.

• Intrusive thoughts. Distressing thoughts about harm coming to your baby, even though you’d never act on them.

But here’s the hardest part:

• Most mums don’t talk about it.

• They assume it’s just part of motherhood.

• They blame themselves instead of recognising it as anxiety.

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And that’s why so many mums suffer in silence—believing they’re the only ones feeling this way.

Why Is Postnatal Anxiety on the Rise?

More and more mothers are reporting higher levels of anxiety and stress in the early postpartum months.

Why?

• Lack of a support network. Mums today are raising babies without the same “village” that previous generations had.

• The pressure to do everything “right.” From sleep schedules to feeding methods, mums are bombarded with information (and judgement) at every turn.

• Social media comparison. Seeing highlight reels of “perfect” motherhood makes many mums feel like they’re not measuring up.

• Post-pandemic isolation. Many new mums had their babies during lockdowns, missing out on the in-person support they desperately needed.

  
  

It’s not just you—modern motherhood is making us more anxious.

How to Ease Postnatal Anxiety (Even When It Feels Impossible)

The good news? You don’t have to feel this way forever.

Here’s what can help:

• Talking about it. Anxiety thrives in silence. The moment you start talking to other mums, you realise—you’re not the only one feeling this way.

• Movement. Gentle exercise, stretching, walking—anything that helps release tension from your body can make a huge difference.

• Time outdoors. Fresh air, natural light, and a change of scenery can do wonders for an anxious mind.

• Community support. Isolation makes anxiety worse. Surrounding yourself with understanding people reminds you that you’re not in this alone.

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And that’s exactly why I created Nest Glasgow.

How Nest Glasgow Supports Mums with Postnatal Anxiety

At Nest, we focus on real, meaningful support—because mums deserve more than just “you’re doing great” messages in WhatsApp chats.

• Nest Outdoors – A gentle, baby-friendly outdoor movement class where mums can walk, talk, and move together—because movement + connection is a powerful way to ease anxiety.

• Mother’s Space – A gathering for mums to share, reflect, and hear from facilitators on topics like maternal mental health, identity shifts, and emotional well-being.

• Every class at Nest is designed with YOU in mind. We prioritise rest, movement, and conversation—because anxiety doesn’t just go away on its own. It heals when you have the right support.

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One mum told me after a session:"I didn’t even realise how much anxiety I was carrying until I came here. It’s the first time in months I’ve felt like I could breathe."

That’s the difference real support makes.

If You’re Struggling, Please Know This

If you’re reading this and recognising yourself in these words, I want you to know:

• You are not broken.

• You are not failing.

• You are not alone.

  
  

And most importantly—it won’t always feel like this.

If you need support, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, if you just want to be in a space where you don’t have to pretend you’re okay—

Because motherhood is hard—but you don’t have to do it alone.

Ready to feel more like you again?

Join us at Nest Glasgow—a space created by mums, for mums. Whether you’re looking for gentle movement, meaningful conversation, or simply a moment to breathe, you’ll find support here.

Join Nest Glasgow