Coping with Postpartum Depression

“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”

Psalm 30:11-12, KJV

When our little girl came into the world, my husband and I were elated. She was born healthy, and we were very happy. At the time, I didn’t anticipate experiencing what I believed I had overcome after the birth of my other three children: postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression affects up to 20 percent of women in America. 10 to 20 percent of new moms will experience a more severe form of depression. Sadly, I fell into that category after I had my last child.

I didn’t realize it until I noticed that I was more sad than happy about our new baby girl. At the time, our family only had one vehicle. We had three-year-old twin girls, a two-year-old little boy, and a new baby, and I felt trapped.

I tried my best to care for three toddlers and nurse an infant while my husband worked long hours to support our family while we figured out how to afford a second vehicle so I wouldn’t be housebound.

I realized that I was not doing well, and the lack of sleep caring for a newborn made things worse, adding to my depression. There were nights when I watched my husband snoring as I cared for the baby and wondered what it was like to sleep through the night without waking up every two hours to nurse.

One night, I reached the limit of what I could take when my husband noticed I was not doing well. After putting the kids to bed, he asked me if I was okay. I poured out my heart to him and explained my feelings of depression. I didn’t tell him I was also having suicidal thoughts. For the first time in a long time, I had a conversation with him that wasn’t about the kids or their interruptions at dinner with demands for chicken nuggets or more milk for their cups.

My husband listened to me, was patient and kind, and prayed for me that night. We created a new family routine. He let me sleep on days he didn’t work as he cared for our children. And we started looking for another vehicle, which God provided quickly. When stressed, I could take the kids to the park or library to clear my head, and I didn’t feel so closed in.

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11, KJV).

Postpartum depression is a serious condition, and if not addressed or treated, it can lead to significant health problems and suicidal thoughts.

However, we have an advocate with our Heavenly Father, who understands when we are at our wit’s end, feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of a new baby, maintaining a home, and trying to be the best mom we can be to our kids. God understands, and He will help us.

“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24, KJV).

I prayed, and I asked God for strength, and He gave it to me when I needed it—like all seasons, the season of struggle with postpartum depression ended. Now, I’m sharing my story to help women understand that postpartum depression doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you; a lot of women go through it, but how you go through it makes all the difference.

“I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High” (Psalm 9:2, KJV).

If you acknowledge your struggle and ask for support from your church or friends, especially your husband, you can get through it, realizing you’re not alone.

Being a mother is not easy; a mother is the driving force behind a family; she holds everything together. When you’re dealing with postpartum depression, it’s not a fun experience. You can only put on a show for so long before you get tired of dancing.

Here are some tips to help you cope with postpartum depression:

• Seek help and talk to your pastor or Christian counselor. They can help you figure out a plan to cope.
• Talk to your husband about giving you time to sleep and an afternoon or a morning to pamper yourself. Self-care is an essential part of a mom’s life.
• When you feel overwhelmed, count to ten, take a deep breath, and pray. Prayer is powerful. Asking God to help you when you feel completely exhausted or depressed is a good thing. Call a friend, tell them how you’re feeling, and ask them to pray for you.
• Please don’t blame yourself for having postpartum depression; a lot of women experience it, and it is a normal part of giving birth. Also, don’t compare yourself to other women who did not experience postpartum depression. Their battles are not your battles. Everyone’s experiences are unique.

Remember, you’re not alone in this; we don’t fight our battles alone; you’re part of a church body, and you will come out victorious!

“Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22, KJV).