You've Heard Of Postpartum Depression, But Have You Heard Of 'Postpartum Rage'?

Research reveals that inexplicable anger isn't an uncommon postpartum symptom. Here's how it can be managed.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | May 16, 2024

"I'd be scared if my mom did this…" wrote one user.

"Y'all… imagine what would happen if she didn't do this," replied another.

These were just two of the tens of thousands of comments left on the currently trending TikTok of a young mother aggressively throwing ice into her bathtub. "My biggest struggle as a new mom is my anger," she stated. She then went on to explain how tossing the ice as hard as possible—while watching it smash and shatter—effectively satisfied her newfound "need to destruct."

The atmosphere of the TikTok's comment section seems to be neatly split down the middle—with people on one side supporting the mother's cathartic outlet, and the other filled with people concerned for her and her child's well-being.

The polarity of viewers' feelings aside, this TikTok sheds light on an often unspoken reality for many new mothers: postpartum rage. These intense feelings of anger and destruction can be difficult to cope with, and even harder to discuss. This TikTok has sparked a broader conversation about how new parents manage these overwhelming emotions—and whether this approach is part of the solution, or a sign of deeper issues.

Why Postpartum Rage Is One Of The Most Ignored Post-Birth Symptoms

According to research from the International Journal of Public Health Science, postpartum rage is defined as an emotional state that can occur in young mothers after giving birth. It involves intense anger, often accompanied by aggressive verbal and physical behaviors. This rage can lead to various negative emotions, such as fear, disappointment and anxiety.

Moreover, this rage is also associated with a host of other symptoms—including insomnia, depression, delusions, sudden crying, stress, loneliness and an inability to control emotions. These intense reactions can be incredibly confusing and distressing, as they starkly juxtapose many new mothers' expectations of experiencing the "joy of motherhood." This unmet expectation, paired with the inexplicable anger, can have a highly detrimental impact on their well-being and relationships.

Despite the significant impact that postpartum rage can have on new mothers, research from Psychology of Women Quarterly explains that it's remarkably understudied. The authors partly attribute this lack of focus to how female emotions have been historically misrepresented in psychology. Women are often depicted as inwardly focused, depressed and ineffectual when responding to negative experiences.

The depiction of women in psychological literature tends to focus on depression, often completely ignoring other emotional responses like anger. This tendency could be influenced by lingering stereotypes about how women "should" react, with anger seen as unusual or inappropriate. Because most studies on female rage focus on clinically depressed or anxious participants, there's been severely limited explorations of anger itself and its distinct triggers and implications.

Yet, despite the scarcity of research, the study's findings indicate that postpartum rage is not a rare phenomenon. A considerable number of women experience angry feelings around six weeks postpartum, with the results showing that 35% of women report moderate to high levels of anger during this time.

Notably, many women who experienced high levels of postpartum rage reported low anger levels before childbirth, suggesting that specific events or changes during the postpartum period may contribute to the sudden emergence of intense anger. This further emphasizes the importance of understanding and recognizing the factors leading to postpartum rage—especially since 11% of women in the study reported high levels of depressive symptomatology, indicating the potential overlap and complexity of postpartum emotional responses.

Is There A Healthy Way For Postpartum Mothers To Release Anger?

Further research from the International Journal of Public Health Science points out the significant risks that unchecked postpartum can pose to both mothers and their children. This intense anger often emerges within 12 months of childbirth, typically peaking around six weeks postpartum—a period where new families are exhausted from parenthood, and when babies are still very young, defenseless and impressionable.

Mothers experiencing this rage often have rapid mood swings, deep loneliness, depression and a sense of hopelessness, which can provoke thoughts of harming themselves or their babies. The connection between postpartum rage and postpartum depression is also well-documented, which indicates the potential for a cascading effect. When left unmanaged, the overwhelming feelings of rage can lead to emotional and physical harm for both mom, baby and the rest of the family. In extreme cases, postpartum rage can result in shaken baby syndrome, or even more tragic outcomes.

Given these serious risks, it is crucial for mothers experiencing postpartum rage to find healthy outlets for their emotions. For example:

• Rage rooms are specially designed spaces where participants can safely smash objects like glassware, electronics or furniture. They're perfect for a physical and cathartic release of pent-up anger.
• Physical exercise, including activities like running, using punching-bags, or high-intensity interval training can help dissipate anger and produce endorphins—hormones that are great for providing a sense of calm and well-being.
• Therapy and counseling is by far the most effective way to work through rage. Professional guidance from someone specializing in postpartum issues can offer mothers a safe space to explore their anger and develop coping strategies.
• And, yes, throwing ice is an unconventional but effective way to release tension. By hurling ice cubes against hard surfaces, such as a bathtub or a concrete driveway, you get a dramatic visual and auditory impact without causing harm.

Finding a healthy outlet for postpartum rage isn't just a good idea; it's essential for a mother's well-being and her family's safety. Even if the methods seem unorthodox, if it helps the mother feel better and doesn't harm anyone, it's a positive step. The key is to ensure the baby is safe while the mother finds her release. Ultimately, letting out rage in a way that feels satisfying and doesn't risk harm is perhaps the healthiest way to release the intense emotions that can come with new parenthood—even if it looks a bit frightening from the outside.

Do you find your parental duties to be more draining than fulfilling? Take the Parental Burnout Assessment to know if you need professional help.

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.