5 Myths About Postpartum Depression You Should Stop Believing
Removing the stigma of postpartum mental health from a postpartum therapist
Postpartum depression (PPD) is something that affects approximately 1 in 7 new mothers. Despite its prevalence, there are still a lot of misconceptions about women’s mental health in the postpartum period. These myths can make it harder for moms to recognize what they’re going through, seek help, and feel understood. In this post, we’ll tackle five common myths about postpartum depression that need to be busted once and for all, so you can better understand your own experience and help others in the process.
Myth #1: “Postpartum Depression Only Happens Right After Birth”
One of the biggest misconceptions about postpartum depression is that it only happens immediately after childbirth. While it's true that many women experience PPD within the first few weeks, postpartum depression can develop anytime during the first year after giving birth. In fact, some women may not notice symptoms until months later, and others may even feel better for a while before the depression returns.
The reality is that the "postpartum" period isn't just a few days or weeks after delivery—it lasts a full year after birth, and PPD can show up at any point during this time. Even if you are past the newborn phase and you’re still feeling off, you're not alone. Feeling low doesn't mean you're doing something wrong as a mom. It's just another reminder that PPD doesn't follow a specific timeline, and it's important to check in with yourself, even well after the first few weeks.
Myth #2: "Postpartum Depression Is Just Feeling Sad"
Another huge myth is that postpartum depression is only about feeling sad or crying all the time. Yes, sadness can be a part of PPD, but it's not the whole story. Postpartum depression can look very different for different women, and it can involve a range of symptoms that don’t simply include feeling “down.”
For some women, PPD might manifest as extreme irritability, frustration, or anger—often at yourself or your baby—while others might experience feelings of numbness or detachment. There can also be feelings of hopelessness, guilt, anxiety, or even apathy toward your baby. A lack of interest in bonding with your child, or feeling like you're not “good enough” as a mom can also be signs of postpartum depression.
It's important to remember that PPD is more than just sadness. It involves a complex mix of emotions, including feelings of helplessness and worry, which are not always easy to recognize at first.
Myth #3: "If You Love Your Baby, You Can’t Have Postpartum Depression"
This myth is not only misleading, but it also makes moms feel guilty for struggling with PPD. The truth is that you can absolutely love your baby, want to be a mother, and still have postpartum depression. In fact, this myth is one of the most harmful because it can make you feel like you’re failing as a mom if you're not constantly overjoyed or excited about being a parent.
PPD doesn’t mean you don’t love your baby; it simply means that your brain is struggling with a chemical imbalance, overwhelming emotions, and the massive life transition that comes with becoming a mother. Many women with PPD report feeling an immense amount of love for their babies, but also feel disconnected or overwhelmed by the pressure and exhaustion of caring for a newborn. This doesn’t make you a bad mom—it makes you human.
Love for your baby is not a measure of whether or not you’re struggling with PPD. It’s okay to have both love and difficult emotions coexisting. If you're having a hard time, it’s important to get the support you need to heal, without feeling like you’re doing something wrong.
Myth #4: "You Should Be Able to Handle It on Your Own"
here’s this pervasive belief that new mothers should just “tough it out” and handle everything on their own, especially when it comes to mental health. After all, motherhood has always been portrayed as this natural, instinctive role, right? But this myth couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, postpartum depression is a medical condition, not something you can simply “snap out of.”
New mothers often face incredible amounts of stress, sleep deprivation, and life changes all at once, which can trigger or exacerbate mental health struggles. There’s no shame in needing help, whether it’s from a partner, family member, friend, or therapist. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. You’re doing the best you can, and you deserve support.
Reaching out for help when you’re struggling doesn’t make you a bad mom; it makes you a mom who knows that her well-being is just as important as her baby’s. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that it’s okay to ask for help. You don't have to face this alone.
Myth #5: "Postpartum Depression Will Just Go Away on Its Own"
Many women assume that postpartum depression is something that will just pass with time. While it’s true that some moms experience milder symptoms that fade away in a few weeks, often referred to as the “baby blues”, many women with postpartum depression need treatment to recover fully. Without the right support, PPD can persist and even get worse, affecting not just your mental health but your relationships, your ability to care for yourself, and your bond with your baby.
The good news is that postpartum depression is treatable. Whether it’s through therapy, medication, support groups, or a combination of these, there are plenty of options to help you feel better. You don’t have to wait for it to "get better" on its own—the sooner you reach out for support, the sooner you can start feeling like yourself again.
Don’t Let These Myths Hold You Back
Postpartum depression is a tough challenge, but it's one you don't have to face alone. By debunking these common myths, we can begin to normalize the experience of postpartum depression and open up conversations that help more women seek the support they need. If you're struggling, remember that PPD is not a sign of failure—it’s a medical condition that many moms go through, and it’s okay to ask for help.
The most important thing is to recognize that you deserve support. Whether it’s reaching out to a postpartum therapist, talking to your doctor, or simply confiding in a loved one, don’t let these myths stop you from getting the care you need. You’re not alone, and there is no shame in seeking help. If you think you might be experiencing postpartum depression, it’s time to get the support you deserve—because your mental health matters, and so does your well-being as a mother.
If you’re in need of support or just someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to me at Sarah Duran Psychotherapy. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Breaking the Myths: Postpartum Depression Therapy in Houston, TX
At Sarah Duran Psychotherapy, I specialize in helping new moms overcome the challenges of postpartum mental health, offering a compassionate space to process their feelings and find their strength. Whether you’re experiencing PPD symptoms or simply feeling overwhelmed, support is here for you. Reach out today to begin healing and reclaiming your well-being as a mom. You deserve care, too.
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Other Counseling Services at Sarah Duran Psychotherapy
Postpartum Anxiety and Depression counseling is not the only service we offer at our Houston counseling clinic. We understand that families like yours are multifaceted and may have other concerns you would like to address. Other therapy services Sarah Duran Psychotherapy provides include treatment of reproductive trauma (including infertility, pregnancy loss, and birth trauma) and play therapy.
