Postpartum depression is a real struggle. With my first child, my emotions were all over the place—everything felt new, overwhelming, and exhausting, with little sleep to boot. But with my second child, the experience hit me hard.
The anxiety kicked in during the second trimester, which was ironically when I started feeling that famous pregnancy “glow” with my first baby. Instead, my anxiety intensified. I was irritable, short-tempered, and sleep became a distant memory. I kept telling myself, “This will all change once I give birth,” but that was far from the truth.
The fluctuation of hormones can be brutal. If anything, my mood darkened even further. It felt like a persistent rain cloud looming over me, always ready to drench me in despair. I never reached the point of feeling suicidal, but the thought of facing each day was daunting. I cried frequently—over trivial matters and sometimes for no reason at all. It was frustrating to feel so low without any clear cause, which only intensified my guilt and sense of inadequacy. Sleep became even scarcer as anxiety consumed me, and seeking help felt just as overwhelming. Everything seemed insurmountable.
I’m here to tell you it gets better. You aren’t alone. You will bounce back.
Finally, around 14 months after my second child was born, I began to feel like I could breathe again. Now, at 19 months, I’m slowly rediscovering myself, and it’s such a relief! Just last week, while sitting on the couch in my pajamas and sharing the day’s events with my partner, he paused and said, “You seem so happy.” That moment felt incredible, especially after such a long journey from postpartum depression back to my true self.
So, if you’re reading this and feeling a sense of recognition, know that things can and do improve. You are not alone, and recovery is possible. If you’re in the thick of it, searching for hope online, here are some mood-lifting suggestions you might find helpful (or feel free to ignore them—do what makes you genuinely happy!).
1. Start Your Day with a Shower
First, commit to taking a shower every morning—not just because you might be in desperate need of one, but because it helps you feel human. I never used to enjoy showering before having kids, but now I look forward to that time to collect myself, even if I throw on my old yoga pants right after.
2. Treat Yourself
And here’s a pro tip: consider treating yourself to some new mascara to try out the next day. Start small—perhaps that new blue hair color can wait until you feel like yourself again.
3. Invite Friends Over
Next, invite friends over, even if your home looks like a tornado hit it. Distractions can be incredibly beneficial. Attend playdates, even if they disrupt your baby’s sleep schedule, or take trips to the library for story time, even if your child is the one who never sits still. If you’ve recently moved, give yourself grace if you haven’t made new friends right away; your community is out there. Just make it a point to step out of the house every day—whether it’s a trip to the grocery store or even the gas station. Surround yourself with uplifting people. Sure, some days you’ll need to vent about your spouse, and that’s okay, but it’s also nice to enjoy some distraction with friends.
4. Eat Well
Eating well is crucial too. I know it’s tough when you’re feeling down and don’t want to cook, but preparing nutritious meals can actually help you feel more energized than that endless stream of coffee.
5. Consider Your Birth Control
Another thing I wish I’d considered during my postpartum journey was my birth control method. After breastfeeding for several months, I switched to a progesterone-free pill, and I was surprised to find how much it impacted my mood. Once I changed it, my depression lessened significantly.
6. Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for help. And if it doesn’t come easily, ask again. I’ve never been fond of doctors, so I often hesitated to reach out. However, speaking up about my struggles made a difference. The more I talked about it, the more my friends and family recognized I was struggling, and they helped me find the support I desperately needed.
Every pregnancy is unique, and not everyone experiences postpartum depression, but many do. So if you or someone you know is feeling down, irritable, or experiencing wild mood swings, hang in there. It does get better. Recovery is possible. I’ve tried various methods, from essential oils to hot yoga, and while they brought temporary relief, in the end, talking about my feelings was the most effective way to move forward. We can only heal if we bring our struggles into the light.
If you think you might be experiencing postpartum depression or need extra support, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination: NHS IVF Information. And for more on home insemination, visit this link for helpful insights. You can also explore this authority on the topic for great information.
Summary
Postpartum depression is a significant challenge that many mothers face, but recovery is possible. By taking small steps like showering daily, inviting friends over, eating well, and seeking help when needed, you can find your way back to yourself. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey—there is hope and support available.