Postpartum Rage Therapy in Austin: You're Not Broken
Do you feel volcanic rage when your baby cries? Explosive anger at your partner over tiny things? Overwhelming fury that scares you?
You're not a bad mother. You're not losing your mind. Postpartum rage affects up to 20% of new mothers—and it's one of the most treatable postpartum mood disorders.
500+
Moms Helped
15+
Years Experience
20%
Experience Rage
Dr. Jana Rundle, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Specializing in Postpartum Rage & Maternal Mental Health
Understanding Postpartum Rage
Postpartum rage is an intense, overwhelming anger that can erupt suddenly and feel impossible to control. This isn't normal frustration—it's explosive, volcanic fury that feels out of proportion to whatever triggered it.
You might direct your rage at your partner, your baby's crying, yourself, or random objects and situations. Research suggests that 10-20% of new mothers experience postpartum rage, though the actual number may be higher because so many mothers hide their anger out of shame.
Feeling rage doesn't mean you'll hurt your baby. Mothers with postpartum rage are acutely aware of their anger and actively work to control it. The fear and shame you feel about your rage proves you care deeply about being a good mother.
Common Signs of Postpartum Rage
Emotional Symptoms
- •Sudden, explosive anger over small things
- •Feeling like you're going to "lose it" or "snap"
- •Rage directed at partner, baby's crying, or yourself
- •Intense irritability and low frustration tolerance
- •Fantasies of escaping or being alone
Physical Symptoms
- •Clenched fists or jaw, tight shoulders
- •Pounding heart, racing pulse
- •Hot flashes or feeling overheated
- •Strong urge to throw things or slam doors
- •Shaking or trembling when rage builds
Postpartum rage is NOT a character flaw. It's a signal that your nervous system is overwhelmed. Rage is your brain's alarm system screaming for help.
Why New Mothers Experience Postpartum Rage
Postpartum rage doesn't happen in a vacuum. It's the result of biological, psychological, and environmental factors converging in a perfect storm.
Biological Factors
- Estrogen and progesterone drop 90% within 72 hours after delivery
- Sleep deprivation reduces emotional regulation by 60%
- Chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated (constant fight-or-flight)
- Oxytocin surge increases protection instinct—misfires into rage
Psychological Factors
- Gap between expectations ("I should feel joy") and reality
- Loss of control—baby's needs dictate everything
- Identity crisis—who you were vs who you are now
- Perfectionism and impossible standards fuel anger
- Resentment from feeling unsupported or carrying the "mental load" alone
Environmental Factors
- Lack of support—doing it all alone
- Unequal division of labor with partner
- Isolation—no adult conversation, no breaks
- Sensory overload—constant crying, touching, noise
- Previous trauma amplified by motherhood stress
"Postpartum rage is your body's way of saying: 'I can't do this alone anymore. I need help.' It's not a moral failing—it's a survival response gone haywire."
Evidence-Based Treatment for Postpartum Rage
Postpartum rage is highly treatable. You'll learn to manage anger before it escalates, communicate needs effectively, and address the underlying causes.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identify thought patterns that fuel rage. Challenge unrealistic expectations. Learn to recognize anger warning signs before you snap. CBT targets the thought-emotion-behavior cycle that leads to explosive anger.
Emotion Regulation Skills
DBT skills for intense emotions. STOP technique for moments of rage. Distress tolerance when anger feels unmanageable. Mindfulness to stay present. Grounding techniques to calm your nervous system.
Trauma-Informed Care
Address underlying trauma, resentment, or unprocessed anger. Understand how past experiences contribute to current rage. Somatic techniques to release trapped anger safely. EMDR for birth trauma. Heal root causes.
8 Instant Strategies When Postpartum Rage Hits
When rage is building, you need tools that work immediately. These strategies can help you regain control in the moment.
1. The STOP Technique
Stop what you're doing immediately. Take 3 slow, deep breaths. Observe your body and thoughts without judgment. Proceed mindfully, choosing your next action.
2. Physical Release (Safe)
Scream into a pillow. Punch a cushion or mattress. Do 10 jumping jacks or run in place. Squeeze ice cubes in your hands. Release the energy safely.
3. Immediate Exit Strategy
Put baby in safe place (crib, playpen). Leave the room for 5-10 minutes. It's OKAY to let baby cry while you calm down. You cannot care for your baby if you're dysregulated.
4. Grounding Exercise (5-4-3-2-1)
Name 5 things you see, 4 things you touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, 1 thing you taste. This brings you back to the present moment.
5. Cold Water Shock
Splash cold water on your face. Hold ice pack on neck. Take a cold shower if possible. This physiologically calms your nervous system fast.
6. Intense Movement
Go outside and walk fast for 5 minutes. Do wall push-ups or squats. Dance aggressively to loud music. Physical exertion releases rage safely.
7. Verbalize (Not at Baby/Partner)
Call a trusted friend and vent. Text a support group: "I'm about to lose it." Record a voice memo. Journal stream-of-consciousness rage.
8. Reality Check
Ask: "Will this matter in 5 years?" Remind yourself: "I'm sleep deprived and overwhelmed." Say: "This is temporary. I am not broken." Compassion interrupts rage.
Crisis Note: If you're worried about harming yourself or your baby, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) immediately or go to your nearest ER.
Serving Austin & Surrounding Communities
Bloom Psychology provides in-person postpartum rage therapy at our North Austin office and virtual therapy throughout Texas.
Primary Service Areas
- North Austin (78750, 78759, 78731)
- Cedar Park
- Round Rock
- Pflugerville
Austin Neighborhoods
- The Domain
- Great Hills
- Anderson Mill
- Wells Branch
Virtual Therapy Available
- Lakeway
- Georgetown
- All of Texas
- HIPAA-Compliant Platform
Our North Austin Office Location
Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Rage
Is it normal to feel rage as a new mom? Am I a bad mother?
Rage is more common than you think—studies suggest 10-20% of new mothers experience postpartum rage. Feeling intense anger does NOT make you a bad mother. It makes you a human being in an overwhelmingly stressful situation. The fact that you're worried about your rage and seeking help proves you care deeply about being a good mother. Bad mothers don't worry about their anger—you do. That's the difference.
What if I'm afraid I'll hurt my baby when I'm angry?
If you're actively working to NOT hurt your baby—putting them down safely, leaving the room, seeking help—you are managing your rage responsibly. Intrusive thoughts about harm are different from intent to harm. If you're scared by your thoughts and taking steps to keep your baby safe, that's protective behavior. However, if you feel you're at risk of acting on those thoughts, please call 988 immediately or go to the ER.
Will my rage go away on its own, or do I need therapy?
For some mothers, rage lessens as sleep improves and the newborn phase passes. But for many, rage persists or worsens without intervention—especially if it's connected to postpartum depression, trauma, or chronic stress. Therapy gives you tools to manage anger NOW while also addressing root causes. You don't have to wait months hoping it gets better. Treatment can provide relief within weeks.
How is postpartum rage different from just being stressed and tired?
Everyone gets frustrated when sleep-deprived. Postpartum rage is different—it's explosive, disproportionate, and feels out of your control. You might snap over something tiny, feel volcanic fury that scares you, or experience intense physical symptoms like shaking and heart pounding. If your anger is interfering with your relationships or ability to care for your baby, it's more than just stress—it's postpartum rage requiring professional support.
Can medication help with postpartum rage?
Yes, medication can be helpful—especially if rage is occurring alongside postpartum depression or anxiety. SSRIs can help stabilize mood and reduce irritability. Many are safe while breastfeeding. The decision about medication should be made with your doctor or psychiatrist. Dr. Rundle provides therapy-based treatment and can coordinate with your medical providers if medication is recommended.
Payment & Insurance Information
Out-of-Network Provider
Dr. Rundle is considered an out-of-network provider on all insurance panels. We provide Super Bills that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits.
What is a Super Bill?
A Super Bill is a detailed receipt that includes all the information your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network claim. We provide this after each session, making it easy for you to submit for potential reimbursement.
The Rage Isn't Your Fault—But You Don't Have to Carry It Alone
Postpartum rage is your body and mind screaming for help. You're not broken. You're not a bad mother. You're overwhelmed, exhausted, and under-supported.
With therapy, you can learn to manage intense emotions, address the root causes of your rage, and feel like yourself again. You deserve to feel calm, capable, and connected to your baby—not constantly on the edge of explosion.
Questions? Call us at (512) 898-9510
Or email info@bloompsychologynorthaustin.com