Breaking the Silence: Navigating Postpartum Mood Disorders with Strength, Love, and Support

Aug 21

DID YOU KNOW 1 in 7 mothers experiences postpartum depression?

DID YOU KNOW up to 85% of new mothers experience some form of “baby blues” and about 10-20% of these women go on to develop more severe postpartum mood disorders?

DID YOU KNOW postpartum OCD affects 3-5% of new mothers?

DID YOU KNOW postpartum psychosis occurs in 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 mothers?

DID YOU KNOW 70% of women don’t realize they are experiencing postpartum mood disorders until much later?

I wanted to take a moment to talk about something deeply personal and important: postpartum mood disorders. Bringing a baby into the world is a beautiful, magical experience, but let’s be real—it's also a whirlwind of emotions that can sometimes feel impossible to navigate. And trust me, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be.

When I became a mother, I experienced the most intense joy but also faced some of the darkest emotions I've ever known. I struggled with postpartum OCD, anxiety, depression, and even psychosis. Hormonal imbalances had me riding a wave I couldn't control, and some days it felt like I was drowning. On top of all that, at 6 weeks postpartum, I was facing a possible vulvar cancer scare that left me feeling utterly terrified. There I was, healing from 2 labor stitch sites and now a 3rd biopsy stitch site lasting my vaginal recovery to three months postpartum. The thoughts were intrusive, relentless, and often terrifying. And there were days when I felt like the worst mother in the world. But here's what I want you to know: you're not broken, you're not failing, and you’re certainly not alone.

Understanding Postpartum Mood Disorders

The postpartum journey is a mix of joy, vulnerability, and profound change. While the “baby blues” often subside within two weeks after birth, more serious postpartum mood disorders can persist and intensify. Many women go months without realizing their emotional struggles are more than the typical postpartum experience, delaying critical support and healing. Early recognition is key. Unlike temporary baby blues, these disorders can have long-term effects if left untreated. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers misdiagnose postpartum mood disorders as unrelated conditions, further delaying proper care. Recognizing these symptoms early ensures mothers get the help they truly need.

Common Postpartum Mood Disorders:

Postpartum Depression (PPD): Persistent sadness, lack of energy, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
Postpartum Anxiety (PPA): Excessive worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms like heart palpitations.
Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive, intrusive thoughts, often about harm coming to the baby.
Postpartum Psychosis: A rare but severe condition involving delusions, hallucinations, and confusion. Requires immediate medical attention.

Signs to Watch For

Emotional Symptoms:

Persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings.
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

Physical Symptoms:

Extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
Changes in appetite—eating too little or too much.
Sleep disturbances beyond typical newborn patterns.

Behavioral Symptoms:

Withdrawing from loved ones or avoiding social interactions.
Difficulty bonding with your baby.
Unwanted, intrusive thoughts that cause distress.

The Impact of Postpartum Mood Disorders

When left unaddressed, postpartum mood disorders can impact not only the mother’s well-being but also the baby’s development, the partner’s mental health, and the family dynamic as a whole.

Thyroid Conditions: An Overlooked Culprit

One of the most overlooked contributors to postpartum mood disorders is thyroid dysfunction. After pregnancy, your thyroid—responsible for regulating hormones, energy, and metabolism—can go haywire, exacerbating symptoms of mood disorders.

Why is Thyroid Dysfunction Overlooked?

Standard postpartum check-ups rarely include comprehensive thyroid screening.
Common symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and irritability are often dismissed as normal parts of new motherhood.

Types of Postpartum Thyroid Conditions

Postpartum Thyroiditis: Involves hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), followed by hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Symptoms can mimic depression or anxiety.
Hypothyroidism: Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, and depression.
Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, restlessness, and mood swings.

The Importance of Functional Medicine

Traditional medical practices often test only TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), missing critical markers like:

Free T3 and T4: Active thyroid hormones.
Reverse T3: Indicates thyroid resistance.
Thyroid Antibodies: Identify autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease.

A functional medicine practitioner can provide comprehensive testing and personalized care, helping identify underlying imbalances that may be contributing to mood disorders.

The Impact of Postpartum Mood Disorders

When left unaddressed, postpartum mood disorders can impact the entire family:

Mothers: Untreated mood disorders increase the risk of long-term anxiety and depression.
Babies: Delayed maternal bonding can affect emotional and cognitive development.
Partners: Stress and feelings of helplessness can strain relationships.

The Stats Say It All:

Untreated postpartum depression increases the risk of delayed cognitive and emotional development in children.
Mothers with postpartum mood disorders are 50% more likely to experience long-term mental health issues.
Early intervention improves outcomes for 80% of mothers experiencing postpartum mental health challenges.

What You Can Do

Talk About It - Share your feelings with someone you trust. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member, opening up is a powerful step toward healing.
Seek Professional Help - Reach out to a therapist or counselor who specializes in postpartum care. They can help you navigate these emotions and provide coping strategies tailored to your needs.
Join a Support Group - Connecting with other mothers who truly understand your journey can make a world of difference. Look for local or online groups focused on postpartum mental health.
Prioritize Self-Care - Even small moments of self-care matter. Take a walk, journal, or practice deep breathing. These simple acts can help ground you.
Be Gentle with Yourself - You’re doing the best you can in an incredibly transformative time. Celebrate the small victories and give yourself the grace you deserve.

Resources for Postpartum Mental Health

Postpartum Support International (PSI): A global resource with hotlines, support groups, and local provider directories.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Offers mental health education and support networks.
Speak to Your Doctor: Your OB-GYN or primary care provider can refer you to specialized postpartum care.
Functional Medicine Practitioner, Megan Van Fleet:
Megan Van Fleet has been an incredible resource for navigating functional medicine, particularly in the postpartum period. Her expertise in identifying and treating hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, and mood disorders through comprehensive testing and holistic care is unmatched. Megan takes the time to dive deep into her clients' symptoms, ensuring nothing is overlooked. Her compassionate approach makes it easy to feel seen, heard, and supported throughout the healing process. Whether you’re struggling with postpartum challenges or seeking a tailored wellness plan, Megan is someone I wholeheartedly recommend for her dedication to helping women feel their best.