Understanding Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

The period after birth is often described as joyful, but for many parents it can also be overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally heavy. Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are common mental health conditions that can occur after childbirth. They are medical conditions, not personal failures, and they deserve understanding and care.

What Are Postpartum Depression and Anxiety?

Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) are related but distinct experiences. Some parents experience one, some the other, and many experience a combination of both. These conditions are influenced by hormonal shifts, physical recovery, sleep deprivation, emotional stress, and major life changes.

Postpartum depression often involves persistent sadness, low mood, numbness, guilt, or difficulty feeling connected. Postpartum anxiety often involves constant worry, racing thoughts, restlessness, panic, or fear, especially related to the baby’s safety. Both can affect emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

You Are Not Alone

Many parents experience postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. They can affect people of any age, background, or birth experience, including those who felt prepared or supported during pregnancy. Having these experiences does not mean you are ungrateful, incapable, or failing as a parent. It means you are human and navigating a profound transition.

How It Can Feel

Postpartum depression and anxiety can show up in different ways for different people. Some may feel overwhelming sadness or emptiness. Others may feel constantly on edge, unable to relax, or consumed by worry. Sleep disturbances, irritability, exhaustion, intrusive thoughts, or difficulty bonding with the baby are also common. These experiences are real, and they matter.

Gentle Steps You Can Take if You’re Experiencing These Symptoms

If you recognize yourself in these experiences, you are not required to “fix” everything at once. Small, compassionate steps can help.

• Tell someone you trust

  • Sharing how you’re feeling with a partner, friend, family member, or support person can reduce isolation and help you feel less alone.

• Reach out to a healthcare professional

  • A primary care provider, OB-GYN, midwife, or mental health professional can help assess symptoms and discuss supportive options. You deserve care just as much as your physical recovery.

• Prioritize rest and basic needs when possible

  • Sleep, nourishment, and hydration are foundational. Accepting help with meals, childcare, or household tasks is not a failure, it is support.

• Notice without judgment

  • If you’re feeling anxious, numb, or sad, try to observe those feelings without self-criticism. These symptoms are signals, not personal flaws.

• Seek community or peer support

  • Support groups, whether in person or online, can provide reassurance and understanding from others who have been there.

• Join our New Mom Support Group

  • Come find your village!! It's free and you can join from the comfort of your own home. Learn more about it here.

Support Makes a Difference

Postpartum depression and anxiety are treatable. Support may include therapy, medical care, peer connection, and practical help with daily responsibilities. Early support can ease symptoms and help parents feel more grounded and connected again.

You deserve compassion, patience, and care during this time. Healing is possible, and you do not have to go through this alone.