Six Things Everyone Should Know About Post Partum Depression

Welcoming a new baby into a family is a momentous occasion. Joy, love, excitement, stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion exist. For some new parents, the postpartum period can be clouded with feelings of sadness and anxiety. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 1 in 7 mothers, and yet there is still so much stigma and misunderstanding around this common condition. For Maternal Mental Health Week, I want to shed light on this critical issue. 

1. It’s not just “baby blues”. While it’s normal for new mothers to experience mood swings and feel overwhelmed in the days and weeks following childbirth (the baby blues), PPD is more severe and persistent. PPD can manifest anytime within the first year after giving birth, and its symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability, difficulty bonding with the baby, changes in appetite, sleep disturbance (beyond the expected), and even thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.
2. It’s not a sign of weakness. PPD is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It’s a medical condition caused by a combination of dramatic hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and psychosocial factors. Risk factors exist, but anyone from all walks of life can be affected. Seeking help for PPD is a courageous step toward healing, not a reflection of inadequacy as a parent. 
3. It affects the entire family. PPD doesn’t just impact a new mother. It can also affect her partner, other children, and the family dynamics. Partners may feel helpless or unsure of how to support the new mother. At the same time, siblings may experience jealousy and confusion. Non birthing partners themselves can also experience symptoms of PPD, which is just as real and worthy of help and support. 
4. Early intervention is key. Recognizing the signs of PPD early and seeking professional help can significantly improve outcomes for both the mother and her family. Many women hesitate to seek help due to feelings of shame, guilt, or fear of judgment. However, PPD is a treatable condition, and there are various effective interventions available, including individual therapy, group therapy or support groups, medication, and perhaps some lifestyle changes. The sooner a new parent receives support, the sooner they can feel like themselves again. 
5. Self-care is crucial. Self-care is not just a buzzword. Mothers often prioritize the needs of their baby and family over their own well-being, but self-care is essential, especially during the postpartum period. Taking breaks, getting rest, eating nourishing foods, and engaging in gentle activity and movement (with approval from a medical provider) can help alleviate symptoms of PPD and promote overall mental health. Check out this article for ideas for Self-Care for New Moms and Caregivers.
6. The importance of validation and empathy. One of the most potent forms of support for individuals struggling with PPD is validation and empathy. Parents experiencing PPD may feel isolated, ashamed, or guilty for not living up to societal expectations of motherhood. Providing a non-judgmental space for them to express their feelings, fears, and struggles can validate their experiences and promote healing. Simply listening without trying to fix or minimize emotions or emphasizing how much worse it can be or how difficult things are to come – can make a world of difference. 

Recovery is possible. While PPD can feel overwhelming or insurmountable, with the proper support and treatment, things will get better. Every parent’s journey to recovery is unique, and progress may be gradual, but with patience, perseverance, and compassion, healing will come. 

Photo Credits:

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash