Out of Control: Why No One Talks About Post-Partum Rage
Brenda Cali
August 2025
Most people imagine new motherhood with thoughts of cozy baby snuggles, lullabies, and maybe a few tears from sleepless nights. What’s rarely discussed, both in the medical world as well as in most social circles, is the overwhelming and explosive anger that can sneak up on you at random and very unexpectedly. While most new mothers are warned to look out for signs of postpartum depression or anxiety in those early days of motherhood, they are not usually warned about the raw and intense emotions that can feel like a volcano erupting inside. This experience is called postpartum rage, and despite how common it is, hardly anyone talks about it.
If you’ve ever found yourself screaming into a pillow, snapping at your partner over something small, or feeling a sense of uncontrollable anger after having a baby, you’re not alone.You’re not wrong or failing at motherhood, but could be experiencing postpartum rage, something that’s all too real and widely misunderstood.
Postpartum rage refers to intense and often irrational anger that occurs during the postpartum period, sometimes without any warning or clear triggers. This rage can happen in the blink of an eye. You may be shocked by the sudden outburst and left shaken and scared, wondering if it will happen again.¹²³
Common symptoms include:
- Explosive outbursts or yelling
- Violent thoughts or uncontrollable urges
- Irritability that feels constant or overwhelming
- Feelings of guilt or shame after an episode
- A desire to isolate or withdraw
- Physical outbursts such as throwing things
It is not an official diagnosis, but it is commonly a symptom of postpartum depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). According to reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Carly Snyder, “Postpartum rage is frequently a symptom of another underlying perinatal mood disorder.”⁴
What Causes It?
In many cases, this intense anger becomes the only outward symptom of the emotional overload new mothers often feel. Women are not just sad, they are quite literally enraged. There isn’t one single cause of postpartum rage but experts believe it stems from a complex mix of hormonal, emotional, and environmental factors. Partum Health Care’s article Postpartum Rage: What It Is, and How to Cope describes several causes, which can include:³
- Hormonal changes: Estrogen and progesterone drop dramatically after birth, affecting mood regulation.
- Sleep deprivation: Chronic exhaustion can erode emotional resilience.
- Mental overload: New mothers are often burdened with the invisible labor of parenting, household management, and emotional caregiving.
- Underlying mental health conditions: Rage is often connected to untreated or misdiagnosed postpartum depression or anxiety.
When Does It Occur and How Long Does It Last?
Postpartum rage can begin within days, weeks, or months after childbirth.² Some mothers experience it shortly after delivery while others may not notice symptoms until they’re back at work or going through a stressful change. It can last several months to over a year if left untreated.
Who Is at Risk?
According to McLean Hospital, while postpartum rage can affect anyone, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing it.⁶
Some risk factors can include:
- A history of mental health challenges
- Lack of social support
- Traumatic pregnancy or birth
- Sleep deprivation
- Financial stress
- Inadequate healthcare
Further, McLean Hospital reports that postpartum depression and anxiety are also more common among Black women, with some estimates showing rates more than double those of white women.⁶
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), which include rage, affect 1 in 7 women after childbirth.⁷ In fact, as many as 6.5 to 20 percent of women will experience a postpartum depression more serious than the “baby blues,” indicating a much broader spectrum of maternal mental health struggles than is often acknowledged.⁸
Why Is It So Misunderstood and Misdiagnosed?
The medical system and society fail to recognize maternal anger as a valid emotional response. Because postpartum rage is not a stand-alone clinical diagnosis, many women are misdiagnosed or treated for bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or simply brushed off as a shift or adjustment in hormones. Women are also dismissed and often told they’re simply just tired or overreacting. This dismissal only adds to the shame and silence surrounding the issue.
The Role of Stigma
There is a deeply ingrained cultural expectation that mothers should be patient, nurturing, and selfless. Anger doesn’t fit into this narrative. As a result, many mothers feel embarrassed or afraid to speak up.“Rage is not something society is comfortable seeing in mothers,” says Karen Kleiman, founder of The Postpartum Stress Center. “So they suffer quietly, feeling ashamed of a very human reaction.”⁵
When to Seek Help
If your anger feels out of control, is persistent, or harmful to yourself or others, it’s time to seek help.⁹ Here are a few signs it may be the right time to talk to a professional:
- You’re having daily or frequent outbursts
- Your anger is damaging your relationships
- You feel guilt, shame, or regret regularly after reacting
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or others
How Is It Treated?
The good news: postpartum rage is treatable and help is available. Common treatment options include:¹⁰
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective first-line treatment for postpartum mood disorders, helping individuals identify triggers and develop practical strategies.
- Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are commonly prescribed and can be effective in stabilizing mood.
- Support groups: Peer groups—offered in-person or virtually—provide validation and solidarity.
- Lifestyle changes: Prioritizing rest, nutrition, and reducing overwhelm can significantly improve outcomes.
But the most important step is recognizing that you are not alone, and this is not your fault.
Current Research and Where to Seek Help
Preliminary research emphasizes the protective role of social support—leaning on friends, family, and community can help alleviate feelings of emotional overwhelm.¹¹ If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are trusted resources you can access right now:
- Postpartum Support International (PSI): Offers a toll-free helpline (in English and Spanish), local resource referrals, peer support groups, and online communities.¹²
- The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Provides free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA to reach trained counselors.¹³
- The Postpartum Resource Center of New York (PRCNY): Offers peer-led support, weekly virtual and in-person groups, and a statewide helpline (1-855-631-0001).¹⁴
Final Thoughts
The truth is that postpartum rage is more common than most people realize, and silence only makes it worse. It’s time we expand the conversation around maternal mental health to include all emotions, including anger. If this sounds like you, please know you are not crazy, and you are not a bad mother. You are navigating one of the most intense transitions a human being can experience. The good news is you don’t have to navigate this alone, and help is available.
References
1. Cleveland Clinic. “Postpartum Rage: Symptoms, Causes, and Management.” Last modified February 28, 2023. Accessed August 27, 2025.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24768-postpartum-rage.
2. COPE. Postnatal Rage. COPE Australia. Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.cope.org.au/new-parents/adjusting-to-parenthood/uncomfortable-feelings-an d-expectations/postnatal-rage.
3. Partum Health Care Team. “Postpartum Rage: What It Is, and How to Cope.” Last modified July 7, 2025. Accessed August 27, 2025.
https://www.partumhealth.com/resources/postpartum-rage.
4. Snyder, Carly. “Postpartum Rage Is a Real Symptom of Mood Disorders.” Healthline. Last modified 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/postpartum-rage.
5. Kleiman, Karen. The Art of Holding in Therapy: An Essential Intervention for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. New York: Routledge, 2017.
6. McLean Hospital. Beyond the Baby Blues: Addressing Postpartum Depression. Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/postpartum-depression.
7. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Perinatal or Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Accessed August 27, 2025.
https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/perinatal-or-postpartum-mood-and-anxiety-dis orders.
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Depression During and After Pregnancy.” Last modified May 15, 2024. Accessed August 27, 2025.
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/depression/index.html.
9. Cleveland Clinic. “Postpartum Rage: What It Is, and How to Cope.” Last modified February 28, 2023. Accessed August 30, 2025.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24768-postpartum-rage.
10. Mayo Clinic. “Postpartum Depression: Diagnosis and Treatment.” Last modified November 24, 2022. Accessed August 30, 2025.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/diagnosis-treatm ent/drc-20376623.
11. Palo Alto University. “Where’s the Village? How Social Support Eases Postpartum Rage.” Accessed August 30, 2025.
https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/translating-research-into-practice-blog/wheres-the -village-how-social-support-eases-postpartum-rage.
12. Postpartum Support International (PSI). “Help for Moms.” Accessed August 30, 2025. https://postpartum.net.
13. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). “National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.” Accessed August 30, 2025.
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline. 14. Postpartum Resource Center of New York. “Support Groups and Helpline.” Accessed August 30, 2025. https://postpartumny.org.
