Understanding Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: You’re Not Alone
“Postpartum Depression” is a term our society often uses to describe a wide range of emotional and mental health concerns that can arise after the birth of a child. In reality, there are many different diagnoses, symptoms, and mood changes that tend to get grouped under this umbrella.
While these experiences commonly affect biological mothers, they are not limited to biological mothers. Partners, adoptive parents, and anyone welcoming a child into their life can struggle in similar ways.
Rather than focusing on a specific “diagnosis,” we encourage you to pay attention to the symptoms you’re experiencing and how they’re impacting your daily life. Below is a list of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people notice before, during, or after the arrival of a child.
​
Common Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors
• Feelings of detachment or difficulty bonding with your baby
• Extreme disappointment about your child’s gender or appearance
• Guilt about feeding choices, sleep decisions, or returning to work
• Persistent worry during pregnancy about how your choices might affect your baby
• Wondering if you’re “losing your mind” or becoming unstable
• Avoiding leaving the house due to fears about what could happen
• Feeling inadequate or like you’re “not enough”
• Loss of appetite
• Questioning whether having a child was a mistake
• Intense anger toward your partner
• Worry that your baby is too fussy, “not a good baby,” or may have a disability
• Feeling isolated or lonely even when others are around
• Feeling misunderstood or unseen
• Ongoing worry about your health or your baby’s health, even with reassurance
• Missing your old life and longing for “normal” to return
• Scary thoughts or images you would never act on (intrusive thoughts), paired with fear that sharing them could lead to judgment or consequences
• Obsessive checking of social media, parenting apps, or comparisons to other parents
• Constant thoughts about potential dangers, whether realistic or not
• Feeling distressed about the state of your home
• Difficulty sleeping or feeling unable to “turn off your brain”
Ready to talk? Head over to How to Reach Out to Start Therapy! We will see you there!
You Are Not Alone: Compassionate Resources for Postpartum Mental Health
Post Partum Support International (PSI)- Chat, Online Support, Education, Provider Search and More
MotherToBaby- Medications & More During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Return to Zero: H.O.P.E.
Support for Pregnancy Loss, Pregnancy After Loss
​
The Wait With You Foundation- Supports families experiencing high-risk pregnancies and long-term hospitalization by offering comfort and hope
https://www.facebook.com/thewaitwithyoufoundation#
​
Star Legacy Foundation- Support for Pregnancy and Infant Loss
https://starlegacyfoundation.org/pregnancy-loss-resources/
​
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep- Providing the gift of remembrance portraits to parents experiencing the death of a baby.
https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/
​
​