Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

You were told this would be the happiest time of your life. So why does it feel so hard?

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Postpartum depression and anxiety are far more common than most people talk about, and they can look very different from what you might expect. It is not always crying. Sometimes it is numbness. Sometimes it is rage. Sometimes it is a constant, quiet dread you cannot explain to anyone around you.

 

If you have had a baby in the last 12 months and you are experiencing any of the following, please know that what you are feeling is real, it is not your fault, and support is available.

 

• Feeling overwhelmed in a way that does not seem to lift

• Persistent guilt, as though you are never doing enough

• Difficulty bonding with your baby or feeling emotionally disconnected from them

• Feeling confused, scared, or like something is deeply wrong

• Irritability, anger, or episodes of rage that feel out of character

• Emotional numbness or feeling empty and void of any feeling

• Deep, persistent sadness

• A sense of hopelessness about the future

• Difficulty eating or having no appetite

• Inability to sleep even when your baby is sleeping

• Trouble concentrating or making simple decisions

• Intrusive thoughts or urges to run away or leave your family

• Fear that you are losing your mind or going crazy

• Racing thoughts that you cannot slow down

• Constant worry that something bad is going to happen

• Disturbing or unwanted thoughts that frighten you

• Fear of being alone with your baby

• Compulsive checking behaviors such as repeatedly checking locks or monitoring your baby's breathing

• A pervasive sense of dread that something terrible is coming

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These experiences are symptoms, not character flaws. Postpartum depression and anxiety are treatable, and you do not have to white-knuckle your way through this season alone.

 

As a clinician who takes a holistic approach to postpartum care, I look at the whole picture, including hormonal factors, sleep, nutrition, and emotional wellbeing, to support your full recovery. You deserve to feel like yourself again.​​