Postpartum Depression
Don't lose hope!
Helen
Following a normal pregnancy, Helen and her husband were excited to welcome their new son to the world. A few days later, she began to find herself crying easily. Her body wasn't producing enough milk for her son, leaving her feeling fragile, emotional and sad.
Following a normal pregnancy, Helen and her husband were excited to welcome their new son to the world. A few days later, she began to find herself crying easily. Her body wasn’t producing enough milk for her son, leaving her feeling fragile, emotional, and sad. Her son often cried, which led her to feel disappointed in herself.
Helen didn’t know what she should do. Her husband encouraged her to see a doctor who diagnosed her with postpartum depression. One of the most frustrating things was that even though she was following the advice given to her, the depression did not go away right away. However, after 2 weeks she started noticing some improvement. She also had a friend come to her home and encourage her by letting her know her baby was fine and things were going to be okay. She started to feel less anxious and her emotions were more stable.
Through the encouragement of others, medication, exercise, and her faith in Christ, she was determined to have hope regardless of her feelings. You may not feel hope, but it’s always there. Don’t give up!
If you have experienced postpartum depression, here are some points to consider:
- Physical help
Don’t be afraid to go to the doctor to get professional help and be sure to follow the advice given no matter how you feel.
- Social help
Surround yourself with encouraging optimistic people to help reduce the stress.
- Spiritual help
The Bible is full of encouragement and help. Find a Bible-believing church and get connected with His Word and faith-based people. If you are in the Grand Rapids area, we would love to have you visit Grand Rapids First.
- Share your story
People who have experienced postpartum depression may have feelings of loneliness, guilt, hopelessness, and/or frustration. If you have experienced or are still going through this, we encourage you to share your story. There is someone who needs to hear it!
Words to Live By:
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” Psalm 42:11 (NIV).
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV).
Dr. Ron’s Perspective:
The birth of a child can be a wonderful event. For many women, however, postpartum depression descends upon them immediately after childbirth. A new mother can experience various symptoms which cause significant stress and hinder the potential joy of motherhood. Sadness, feeling overwhelmed and guilt over a lack of bonding with the infant are just a few of the emotions associated with this type of depression. It’s important to remember you are not alone. Many women struggle with this same issue. A number of women seek professional help from a counselor or their own medical doctor, who might prescribe anti-depressant medication. In the midst of the struggle, trust God to see you through. You can overcome this experience and still go on to enjoy mothering your child.
Grace Notes by Philip Yancey
“I believe in the resurrection primarily because I have gotten to know God. I know that God is love, and I also know that we human beings want to keep alive those whom we love. I do not let my friends die; they live on in my memory and my heart long after I have stopped seeing them” (113).
Recommended Resources:
Postpartum Support International
