So far in our Postpartum Depression posts, we’ve talked about what you can do while pregnant, how to tell between baby blues vs. the real thing, and breaking the stigma.

Now it’s important to talk about the postpartum depression resources and what to do if you or someone you know and love is showing signs of postpartum depression.

1. Tell someone close. Your husband/partner, your mom, a best friend… any time you notice changes in your mood or behaviors, let someone you trust in. Being vulnerable is not easy. But it is essential for this crazy but wonderful human experience we’re all a part of. Please don’t grapple with these issues alone. Let someone share the burden with you, and help you with your next steps. Don’t do life alone. Especially when postpartum hormones are involved!
2. See your doctor. Even if you aren’t sure how severe it truly is, there’s never any reason not to ask your doctor questions about any suspicions you have. Nothing you can read on the internet can ever, ever replace asking a professional (these posts included!!). Every situation is SO different and it is so incredibly important to let a medical professional into what you’re going through. Early detection and treatment can make a huge difference!
3. Lean into the healing. It won’t be easy. You’ll have to do things you don’t feel like doing. But this is the beauty of letting others help you- you don’t have to make every decision alone. Work with a professional to come up with an action plan towards healing. And then follow it. Allow people close to you to know what the action plan is. It will help you stay accountable and on track. Continue to stick with the plan and follow through. Remember that your road to healing can help other moms you know in the future! Your pain can have a purpose.

Resources:

• Postpartum Progress — a nonprofit organization that supports moms with PPD, provides a list of providers by state who specialize in PPD treatment and a state-by-state guide to support groups (georgetown.edu)
• Postpartum Support International — a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness “among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum” — offers multilingual chat and hotline (1-800-944-4773) Call to leave a message, and a volunteer will call you back as soon as possible to provide support and resources in your area (georgetown.edu)
• Postpartum Progress® — Postpartum Progress is a blog and nonprofit organization that raises awareness, fights stigma, and provides peer support to women with maternal mental illness (nichd.nih.gov)
• PPDMoms — 1-800-PPDMOMS (1-800-773-6667)