Understanding Postpartum Depression: You’re Not Alone
Having a baby brings a wide range of emotions, both joyful and difficult. These feelings can shift quickly, from love, pride, and gratitude to irritability, guilt, and loneliness. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and emotionally confused during this major life transition.
If you're feeling sad, anxious, or not quite like yourself after giving birth, you are not alone. You might be experiencing Postpartum Depression (PPD), and it’s okay to talk about it.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
PPD is more than just the “baby blues.” While it’s common to feel weepy or overwhelmed in the first two weeks after birth, postpartum depression lasts longer and interferes with your ability to function.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. experience symptoms of postpartum depression.
PPD is a real medical condition that affects your brain, emotions, and body. It’s not your fault. It’s not a sign of weakness. And, most importantly, it’s treatable.
Common Signs of PPD
PPD looks different for everyone, but common symptoms include:
Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Feeling anxious or panicky, especially about the baby
Trouble bonding with your baby
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
Feelings of guilt, shame, or being a “bad mom”
Thoughts of harming yourself or believing your baby would be better off without you
If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please seek help immediately. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or talk to someone you trust. You are not alone.
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
There’s no single cause of PPD. It's often a result of biological, psychological, and social factors:
Hormonal changes: A sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone can trigger mood swings and emotional lows. Thyroid hormone changes may also play a role.
Exhaustion: Physical recovery, sleep deprivation, and the demands of caring for a newborn can impair your ability to regulate emotions.
Stress and life changes: Adjustment to a new role, financial concerns, and shifts in identity can contribute to emotional overload.
History of mental health issues: If you’ve had depression, anxiety, or trauma in the past, you may be more at risk for PPD.
Birth trauma: A difficult or traumatic delivery can affect your emotional well-being and recovery.
Perfectionism or unrealistic expectations: Social media, cultural or family pressure, or “well-meaning” advice can lead to internal feelings of shame or guilt about not being the “perfect mom.”
Lack of support: Emotional or physical isolation from partners, family, or friends can greatly increase risk for PPD.
What Can Help?
Practice Kindness, Toward Yourself
No one has this all figured out. Some days, every parent feels like they’re climbing a hill of sand. You are not failing. Parenting is hard work - and you’re doing your best.
Therapy
Talking with a licensed therapist, especially one trained in perinatal mental health, can help you make sense of your feelings and learn practical coping strategies.
Medication
Speak with your doctor about options if you’re feeling persistently low, anxious, or stuck. They may prescribe medication that is safe during this time of transition.
Support Groups
You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers free online groups for new parents who understand what you’re going through.
Self-Care & Compassion
Even small acts of care, such as taking a shower, eating a healthy meal, stepping outside, or letting someone hold the baby while you rest, can help calm your nervous system. You deserve care too.
A Note to the New Mother
If you're struggling, please hear this:
You are not a bad mother. You are navigating a season of profound change. This moment will not last forever. The clouds will lift. Healing is possible.
Reaching out for support isn’t a weakness, it is courage, and you are not alone.
Resources
Postpartum Support International (PSI): https://postpartum.net
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, 24/7
Parent Support Groups: There are several parent support groups within the Bozeman area. Search “Bozeman new parent support group,” to find the group that best suits your needs.
Monique M. Schofield, MA, PCLC
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Late-onset postpartum depressive symptoms — PRAMS, United States, 2019–2020. Preventing Chronic Disease, 20, E106. https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd20.230107
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, June 5). Vital signs: Postpartum depressive symptoms and provider discussion—32 states and New York City, 2018. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69(19), 575–581.
Dimcea, D. A. M., Petca, R. C., Dumitrașcu, M. C., Șandru, F., Mehedințu, C., & Petca, A. (2024). Postpartum depression: Etiology, treatment, and consequences for maternal care. Diagnostics, 14(9), 865.
Lee, S., Han, J. W., Ko, Y. H., Kim, H., & Yoon, H. K. (2023). Association between postpartum fatigue, sleep quality, resilience, and depression in new mothers: A cross-sectional study. BMC Psychology, 11, Article 1043. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01043-3