Is This Just Motherhood or Am I Struggling with Postpartum Depression?

You’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and not sure who you are anymore. You knew motherhood would be hard, but this? This feels like something deeper.

You wonder:

“Is this just what it’s like to be a new mom? Or is something wrong with me?”

“Why don’t I feel like myself anymore?”

“Shouldn’t I be happier?”

If you’ve asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone. Many new moms silently wrestle with the fear that what they’re feeling isn’t normal, but they’re not sure if it “counts” as postpartum depression.

Let’s talk about what’s actually going on behind the scenes and how to know if what you’re feeling is more than just the normal adjustment to new motherhood.

What’s “Normal” in Early Motherhood and What’s Not?

New motherhood is a profound transition. You’re recovering from birth, caring for a newborn, running on little sleep, and navigating the full-body experience of becoming a mother.

Some emotional ups and downs are to be expected, especially in those first several weeks of postpartum. You might feel weepy, anxious, easily irritated, or overwhelmed. That’s commonly referred to as the “baby blues,” and it typically fades on its own after a couple of weeks.

But when those feelings don’t fade, or they intensify, it could be a sign of postpartum depression (PPD).

Signs You Might Be Struggling with Postpartum Depression

PPD doesn’t always look like what you see in movies. You might still get up and care for your baby. You might be high-functioning and “look fine” on the outside. But inside, you’re struggling.

Some common symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or numbness

• Crying often, sometimes without a clear reason

• Feeling disconnected from your baby

• Trouble bonding, or feeling guilt about not enjoying motherhood

• Irritability or rage

• Changes in sleep or appetite (not just due to the baby)

• Intrusive thoughts or fears that something bad will happen

• Feeling like a failure or a bad mom

• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

• Thoughts of running away, escaping, or harming yourself

If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it’s time to reach out. Not because you’re failing, but because you’re suffering, and help is available.

You’re Not Broken- You’re Not Alone

Postpartum depression affects up to 1 in 7 moms, and it doesn’t care how much you love your baby, how “together” your life looks, or how many parenting books you’ve read.

It can affect moms who had unmedicated births and those who had C-sections. Moms who are formula-feeding or breastfeeding. First-time moms and seasoned moms.

It’s not a reflection of your love or your strength. It’s a reflection of how much you’re carryin- —and how little support our systems offer new mothers.

Why It Can Be So Hard to Tell

Many of the symptoms of postpartum depression overlap with the “normal” demands of new motherhood: exhaustion, anxiety, irritability. But the difference lies in duration, intensity, and impact.

If your symptoms are getting worse instead of better…

If you feel like you’re in survival mode every day…

If you’re losing your sense of self and can’t find your way back…

Then it’s not just motherhood. And you don’t have to keep pushing through.

How Therapy Can Help

Postpartum depression is treatable, and you don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to get support. Therapy can help you:

• Identify whether you’re experiencing PPD or something else

• Develop tools to manage anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and overwhelm

• Understand how past trauma or perfectionism may be impacting your experience

• Reconnect with your identity beyond motherhood

• Create space for your needs and your healing- without guilt

At Happy Moms Therapy, we use a trauma-informed, validating approach that honors your experience. We integrate brain-body work, emotional regulation tools, and EMDR therapy to help you feel more grounded and resilient.

You don’t need a diagnosis to deserve support. If something feels off, that’s enough of a reason to reach out.

You Deserve to Feel Like You Again

You can love your baby and still grieve your old life.

You can be grateful and still feel heartbroken.

You can be doing “everything right” and still feel like something is wrong.

Whatever you’re feeling, you are not alone- and you don’t have to stay stuck here.

If you’re ready to explore what support could look like, we’re here to walk beside you.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

If you are interested in therapy with Happy Moms Therapy- reach out today.

Disclaimer: This is not a replacement for a therapeutic relationship or mental health services. This is for educational purposes only and should be in used only in conjunction in working with a licensed mental health professional. If you are in California and looking for a professional therapist feel free to use the contact me to request an appointment or search Psychology Today for local therapists in your area.

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