What You Can Do If You’re Struggling With Postpartum Depression

Christian mothers are not immune to the threat of depression and anxiety. Many people might believe that Christian moms can’t struggle with these mental health attacks, but this is far from the truth. 
            
Many mothers, even mothers of faith, struggle with depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and disconnection from their babies and from those around them. 
 
Maybe you’re in the midst of this type of struggle right now. Maybe you feel like your head is a mess and you’re struggling to find joy. Maybe you’re feeling disconnected, discouraged, or hopeless. If that’s you, we want you to know that you’re not alone in your struggles, and that there is comfort to be found even in this confusing season of life. 
 
Today, we’re going to discuss some of the signs of postpartum depression and explore how mothers can take better care of their mental health.

What Is Postpartum Depression?
 
Postpartum depression, also known as PPD, occurs either during or after pregnancy, causing women to feel overly anxious, sad, and disconnected from their babies. Some women feel that they can’t connect to their children and might even lack affection for their babies. 
 
What are the Signs of Postpartum Depression? 
 
Some signs of PPD might include:
 
·      Sadness
·      Fatigue
·      Oversleeping or trouble sleeping 
·      Loss of interest in hobbies or activities previously enjoyed 
·      Guilt 
·      Lack of concentration 
·      Inability to “bond” with the baby 
·      Anxiousness 
·      Obsessive thoughts or feelings about being “a bad mother” 
 
Some women might experience just a few of these symptoms, and some might experience all. Motherhood, in general, can often cause feelings of anxiousness, and most women do experience some anxiety and worry over being a mother. But PPD is more often associated with extreme feelings of depression or disconnection. 
 
There is no formal test to diagnose PPD since it is not a disease, but it is a very real sickness that no one should take lightly. 
 
 
How to Remedy Postpartum Depression
 
Curing PPD takes time and lots of patience. If you believe you are struggling with Postpartum Depression, here are some helpful tips:


1.    Talk to a Professional
PPD can make a woman feel like she’s going crazy. Because of this, many women don’t want to talk to a professional out of fear. However, discussing these thoughts and feelings and letting someone know that you’re struggling is often the first step to healing. 
 
Start with talking to your doctor. PPD is common condition, and your OB/GYN has heard it all before. She won’t judge you if you let her know you’re struggling. She may be able to prescribe medications that can help, or she may refer you to a counselor. If you agree to counseling, consider finding a faith-based counselor who will discuss these issues with you and will help you with both practical and spiritual healing. 
 

2.    Talk to a Mother Who’s Experienced PPD
Sometimes all we need is to hear it from someone else: “I’ve been where you are. I know how hard it is.”
 
There’s so much comfort in hearing that another person has been through the same thing we have, and that she made it through. 
 
Talk to a friend, a coworker, another mother—someone who has experienced the trauma and hardships of PPD and seek advice and wisdom from her.


3.    Take Time Away
Mothers with PPD often feel trapped. Many women struggle with feeling like they don’t even know themselves. 
 
One way to combat this feeling is to take time away from your baby every once in a while. Have a relative or a friend babysit for an afternoon. Spend some extra quality time with your friends or family. Go out for a meal, get some coffee, watch a movie, play some tennis—take time for yourself. 
 
Don’t think of this as selfish. 
 
Sometimes spending quality time with others or having you-time helps you get out of the rut and refreshes you so that motherhood doesn’t feel so heavy. 
 

4.    Remember It Doesn’t Last
We refer to “seasons” a lot because they are just that – seasons of life. 
Seasons change. Therefore we can be sure that life won’t always be like this. 
 
For some women, PPD lasts a few weeks, others a few months. Remember that just because you don’t begin to feel better after a few weeks, it doesn’t mean you are a lost cause. You’re not in this hopeless state for the rest of your days. 
 
For many women, there’s not much hope for change other than hoping that medications and counseling will eventually remedy their problems. While medication and professional counseling can help, don’t forget that the best way to find consolation and comfort is through the One who knows you the best. 
 
Any season of depression can feel like a lifetime, but no season lasts forever. Lean into your relationship with your Heavenly Father and know that you are not alone—your identity is found in Him. 
 
He is your refuge. 
 
Some Final Thoughts 
 
Understandably, a lot of mothers are afraid to admit if they are struggling with symptoms of PPD because no woman ever wants to be “that woman”—the one who can’t find joy after having a baby. 
 
But be encouraged: there’s nothing wrong with you. We struggle with these things because we live in a fallen world where pain doesn’t always make sense and where joy often feels unattainable. 
Hold on. You’re not failing, and you’re not being punished. 
 
Postpartum depression and anxiety are real, but God is greater than these, and in Him, there is hope that does not disappoint. 
 

Looking for Community?
 
There’s something so special about having a community around you to love and support you, and that’s why we, here at One by One Ministries want to provide mothers with the support they need. 
 
We love to help women grow in motherhood and prosper in their spiritual life. If you’re looking for a great community, click here to learn more about us!