When should I seek postpartum mental health support?

I’m writing this one backwards because, if you only read one sentence of this blog post, I want it to be this: if you don’t like the way that you feel, you are allowed to ask for help.

Many new moms struggle with questions like, Is this just normal motherhood stress, or do I have postpartum depression or anxiety? Should I just push through it? The truth is, you don’t have to hit rock bottom or meet a certain threshold of struggle to deserve support. Motherhood is hard, but suffering in silence isn’t a requirement. If something feels off, trust yourself and reach out.

Now, full disclosure here: as a mental health professional, I felt an immense pressure to handle my postpartum mental health myself —to use my skills, reframe my thoughts, and will my way to happiness. I told myself I should be able to manage, that I knew what was happening and could push through. But the truth is, I completely underestimated the power of connection, of having my thoughts and feelings validated, of simply hearing, You’re not crazy, and you’re not alone. And if I had it to do over again, I wouldn’t wait—I would seek support sooner. Because no one is totally immune to the challenges of the postpartum experience; it is HARD. Not just for you, for everyone (even the people who make it look easy on Instagram). And none of us are meant to do this alone.

Where to look for support:

• Your doctor or OB-GYN can screen you for PPD/PPA and provide resources

• A therapist who specializes in postpartum or perinatal mental health

• Local or online mom support groups

• Postpartum Support International (PSI) – Call or text their helpline at 1-800-944-4773 for confidential support.

Note: If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, this is considered a medical emergency. Please call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room.