Do I have Postpartum Depression (PPD)? This is an important question that I am sure many new parents have wondered. The postpartum period is incredibly stressful, and that stress takes a toll on your mental health. Not only are you managing the stress from this major life transition, but you are experiencing hormone changes unique to the perinatal period. There are many components at play when it comes to your mental health during this time, and together they can lead to PPD.
Maybe you have read about postpartum depression, and you think “That just doesn’t apply to me.” You know that something feels off with your mental health, but you don’t relate to the symptoms of PPD. If that’s the case, check out my post on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), where I share about other ways that your mental health may change during the perinatal period.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
This is not a fun list. Postpartum depression looks like having low moods, low motivation, and low energy. It feels like fatigue, despair, worthlessness, and depletion. It may even feel like nothing – emotional numbness and despondency.
Postpartum depression impacts your thoughts, too. You may notice yourself thinking “What’s the point?” or “Do I even love my kid(s)?” You may even notice thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you are experiencing urges to hurt yourself, or to suicide, seek help immediately. Call the BC Mental Health Line at 310-6789, or the BC Crisis Line by dialing 9-8-8.
Feeling so low can bring on the waterworks. You may be crying more than usual, although not everyone expresses sadness in this way. Another way that your behaviour may have changed is that you don’t engage with other people anymore. Even introverted people need some levels of social interaction, but if you’re experiencing PPD, you may notice that you just don’t want to see other people, and so you don’t.
PPD can make it feel like your bed or couch has a stronger force of gravity than usual. Getting up and moving feels impossible, which obviously makes it pretty difficult to care for your kiddo. This doesn’t make you a bad parent, it makes you a human who is hurting, and someone who needs support.
Am I the only one who experiences Postpartum Depression?
If you’re experiencing PPD, you are absolutely not alone. One of the lies that your brain may try to convince you of is that no one else has ever felt this way, and that you are a terrible person for having the thoughts that you are having.
According to Stats Canada (2019), 1 of 4 women in Canada who have recently given birth experience PPD, while for men the number is 1 of 10 (CAMH, 2024). Unfortunately, we are lacking in stats for gender diverse individuals.
1 of 4 women in Canada who have recently given birth experience PPD, while for men the number is 1 of 10.
How can I get help for Postpartum Depression?
If you think you have PPD, there are a couple avenues that will be helpful:
Counselling. A counsellor provides a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to share about your experience. Counsellors that specialize in perinatal mental health are trained to help clients with PPD symptoms. In particular, counsellors help you develop greater awareness of your thoughts, and they teach you skills to help change those thoughts.
Support Groups. Support groups are a great option for low-cost support. Typically support groups meet once per week, and they provide an opportunity for the members to share about their experience. Some support groups will have weekly topics to discuss as part of the support offered, while others focus exclusively on personal sharing. Either way, support groups are great for tackling isolation, and challenging thoughts that say “I’m all alone in this.”
Medication. There are many different medications that can help with PPD. Breastfeeding people may worry that the medication will transfer to the baby through breastmilk, but there are actually many medications that help with PPD and are safe to use while breastfeeding. To access medication, talk to a doctor, or if possible, get a referral to a women’s health clinic.
Conclusion
When you are journeying through early parenthood, it is easy to think “I’ll take care of my mental health later.” There are many components that impact mental health during this time of life. Whether you are officially diagnosed with PPD, or you need support for other reasons, please reach out. You are important, and your mental health matters.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute the advice or diagnosis of a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. If you are concerned that you may have Postpartum Depression, or another Perinatal Mood or Anxiety Disorder, please contact a doctor or public health unit for assessment.
Kala McKenzie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in Victoria, British Columbia. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, and is a member of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. If you are an adult living in BC and interested in counselling with Kala, book a complimentary consultation here.
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