5 Things Everyone Should Know About Postpartum Depression
As featured in Authority Magazine. Authority Magazine interviewed me about the five things everyone should know about postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is not the parent's fault, it affects the whole family, it does not mean your child will be taken away, and effective treatment brings significant improvement in a relatively short period.
“It is not the mother's fault.”Rachel Goldberg, LMFT, PMH-C, in Authority Magazine
1. It is not the mother's fault
Postpartum depression is a complex condition shaped by genetics, psychosocial stressors, and the support a parent has. Self-blame can deepen the problem and keep a parent from asking for help.
2. It can make it hard to take care of yourself and your baby
Overwhelming sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion make basic self-care difficult. A parent can ignore her own health for weeks, which makes recognizing the condition early important.
3. It impacts the entire family
A detached or irritable parent places strain on the whole household. Partners can become overwhelmed, and other children may feel neglected or act out.
4. Asking for help will not result in your child being taken away
Many parents fear being judged as unfit or having social services involved. In practice, that happens only when a provider believes a parent or child is in grave danger. Confiding in a healthcare professional is the safest step, not a risky one.
5. Effective treatment can bring significant improvement in a short period
Acknowledging the problem and getting support brings validation and practical tools. I have seen clients who began feeling hopeless improve notably with treatment, which can include therapy with a specialist, support groups, and sometimes medication.
More that people get wrong
- Baby blues are common and fade within a couple of weeks. Postpartum depression is ongoing and usually needs professional help.
- It is not only hormonal or caused by tiredness.
- It can affect partners, and parents whose baby was carried by a gestational carrier.
- Treating the depression supports bonding. Putting on your own oxygen mask first is not selfish.
I would like to see mental health providers integrated into OB/GYN offices, including a dedicated 20 to 30 minute conversation at the six-week postpartum visit.
Read the full article on Authority Magazine
Related reading
- There's No One Right Way: The Secrets New Moms Deserve to Hear
- What Does It Mean to Get Your Pink Back?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
Baby blues are common and fade within a couple of weeks. Postpartum depression is ongoing and usually requires professional support.
Will my baby be taken away if I tell my doctor I am depressed?
Asking for help or confiding in a healthcare professional does not result in your child being taken away. That would happen only if a provider believed you or your child were in grave danger.
Can partners and parents through surrogacy get postpartum depression?
Yes. It can affect partners and parents whose baby was carried by a gestational carrier, and it is more common in people with a history of mental health challenges.
Ready for support?
If you are struggling after having a baby, I provide perinatal and postpartum therapy.
