Postpartum Depression Help

Heartland Christian Counseling | Blog Post

Understanding and Healing from Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Bringing a new baby home is often seen as a time full of joy, excitement, and love. But for many moms and dads, it can feel very

different. Instead of happiness, they might feel sadness, fear, anger, or numbness that won’t go away. If this sounds familiar to

you or someone you care about, you might be dealing with postpartum depression. You are not alone. Reaching out for

information or support is a brave and important step toward healing.

Please know that at Heartland Christian Counseling, we want you to understand that postpartum depression is not a character

flaw, spiritual failure, or lack of love for your baby. It is a real and treatable condition that affects both parents. There is hope for

healing, and you are worthy of care and compassion.

WhatIs Postpartum Depression?

Depression means feeling sad or empty for a long time, making it hard to get through your day. Postpartum depression, or PPD,

can start during pregnancy or after your baby is born, usually within the first year (Perinatal Depression, 2023). It’s more serious

than the "baby blues," which last a week or two and cause mild mood swings and tears. PPD lasts longer, is stronger, and can

make it hard to take care of yourself and your baby (Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression: What’s the Difference?, 2026).

Though we often talk about postpartum depression in moms, dads can experience it too. Becoming a parent brings big

hormonal, emotional, and lifestyle changes for men, and their struggles deserve just as much care and support (Wain et al.,

2025, pp. 1061-1071).

Common Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Sarah, a new mom just weeks into her baby’s life, found herself staring out the window one morning with tears running down

her face, not sure why she felt so disconnected even though she loved her child deeply. Mark, a new dad, felt unusually irritable

and started pulling away from his family, wondering why he didn’t feel the "instant bond" everyone talked about.

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Here are some common signs and symptoms of postpartum depression you

might notice:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

• Frequent crying or feeling overwhelmed

• Irritability, anger, or sudden mood swings

• Feeling disconnected from your baby or like you’re not bonding

• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

• Changes in appetite (eating much more or much less than usual)

• Trouble sleeping (even when the baby sleeps) or sleeping too much

• Fatigue and low energy

• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or shame

• Racing thoughts or constant worry

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Thoughts of running away, harming yourself, or that your family is better off without you

Postpartum Anxiety and Other Challenges

Many new parents also face postpartum anxiety. This might look like constant worry about your baby’s health, scary thoughts

that won’t go away, or physical symptoms like a racing heart and trouble breathing (Schwab-Reese et al., 2023, pp. 1-15). In

rare cases, postpartum psychosis can happen (Toor, 2024) (Anxiety disorders in postpartum women: A systematic review and

meta-analysis, 2016, pp. 139-150). If you have hallucinations or severe confusion, get medical help right away.

Faith,Shame, and the Pressure to “Be Okay”

Many Christian parents feel a unique layer of guilt, thinking they should just "pray more" or be more grateful. Fathers, in

particular, may feel pressure to "be the rock" and hide their struggles to support their partner. These are lies that add shame to

your suffering. (Schmitz, 2025)

The Bible says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” – Psalm 34:18 (NIV). Feeling

depressed doesn’t mean your faith is weak. Asking for help is a sign of wisdom. God often brings healing through community,

counselors, doctors, and even medicine. Faith and professional care can work together. Getting treatment, including medication

if needed, doesn’t mean you’re turning away from God. Instead, it means you’re accepting the ways He offers hope and help

through others (Gambini, 2016). If you have questions about how your faith fits with treatment, you can talk about them openly

in counseling.

How Counseling Can Help

Professional counseling provides a safe, judgment-free place to explore your thoughts and feelings. At Heartland Christian

Counseling, we support both moms and dads with clinical knowledge and biblical hope. Counseling can include education,

emotional support, coping skills, relationship help, and faith integration (Perinatal and Postpartum Counseling, n.d.).

During your first session, a counselor will gently ask about your background, current struggles, and goals for support. You’ll

have the chance to share as much or as little as you're comfortable with. Your counselor will listen compassionately, help you

feel understood, and discuss next steps without pressure. Each person’s experience is unique, and the first session is simply a

starting point for building trust and exploring how we can best walk with you.

Practical Steps You Can Take Today

• Talk to someone you trust: Share honestly with your spouse, a friend, or a pastor.

• Give yourself permission to rest: Release perfectionism around housework and chores.

• Nourish your body: Eat regular meals and get a few minutes of sunlight.

• Accept help: Let others bring meals or help with laundry.

• Stay connected spiritually: Short, simple prayers are enough.

• Limit comparison: Remember, social media is not the full story.

We’re Here to Walk With You

If you see yourself or someone you love in this description, you don’t have to face it alone. Heartland Christian Counseling

offers caring, Christ-centered support for families during the postpartum season. We’re here to help both moms and dads work

through these challenges and find their way back to wellness.

Besides counseling, joining a support group or connecting with other parents through church resources can help you feel less

alone and more understood. Sharing your story with others who have been through similar experiences can bring

encouragement and a sense of community on your healing journey.

You are worthy of rest, help, and hope.