The Truth About Postpartum Depression

On Wire Talk this past week we were so grateful to have Dr. Michele Harding in the studio to help us discuss postpartum depression. I think it’s more common that we realize because a lot of moms don’t talk about it.  I never went through PPD but both Sunny and Michelle talk about their experience suffering from it.

 While you may not have experienced postpartum depression, research shows that 1 in 7 mothers will experience PPD during one or more pregnancies. I learned so much from Dr. Harding and hope that you’ll all have a chance to listen to that conversation HERE. But, I want to share the following thoughts with my Birds mommas because given how many of us there are, chances are good that many of you will experience PPD during your years of growing your families or will have a good friend who walks through this season. 

Postpartum depression goes deeper than the “baby blues” that many mothers experience. The baby blues are normal feelings of worry, unhappiness and fatigue that usually last around two weeks. With PPD, a mom’s feelings of sadness and anxiety interfere with her ability to care for herself and her baby and can even lead to suicidal thoughts. You need to get help from your doctor or a professional counselor if your baby blues seem severe and last more than 2 weeks. Over 14% of moms suffer with postpartum depression, but you don’t have to get stuck in it.  

If you are experiencing PPD here are a few more reminders:

1. Seek help, either through Gynecologist or Counselor

2. Get out of your four walls, take a walk, exercise, get some adrenaline pumping again. That is a good way to clear your head. 

3. Talk to a friend, not just your husband

If you don’t struggle with PPD, but one of your friends does, be a friend. Listen and try to help as much as you can.