Today I want to discuss “How to overcome postpartum depression and anxiety.
So…Is Postpartum depression and anxiety real? YES!
Why is it, that us moms fail to talk about postpartum depression & anxiety until after we have mercilessly faced it?
For me, I was somewhat afraid people would think I was crazy, because, to be honest, I wasn’t quite convinced I wasn’t myself.
I would think things like…
- Will people think I’m making this all up?
- What if they think I’m losing it ?
- Will they think I’m a bad mother?
- Am I a bad mom?
- Can I do this mom thing right?
- Will these feelings ever go away?
- How will I ever lose this baby weight?
- Will the stretch marks go away?
- How can my husband think I’m beautiful?
- Will I ever be able to interact with people again?
- Am I going to ever sleep again?
- Will my baby ever stop crying so much?
- I’m so exhausted…
- When do I pray?
- Am I the only person going through this?
- What’s wrong with me?
- Am I going crazy?
How to overcome postpartum depression and anxiety
Depression & anxiety are a real thing. Wether it be “postpartum” or at some other point in your life. If you are facing negative thoughts and feelings that impact the way you act and live then you may be facing depression or anxiety.
I have heard moms declare months and even years after delivery that they are still facing postpartum depression and anxiety. I used to secretly “roll” my eyes, to what I thought, was exaggerated statements. Years later, after facing several months of postpartum anxiety myself, I began to study more into the problem. I knew from experience that it was real, but I wanted to know more. Could someone really face these issues for months or years after a child’s birth? Are we as Christians destined to be overcome by this “hormonal” battle? If not, then how do I overcome postpartum depression and anxiety?
From my research, I’ve discovered that some mothers never even face postpartum depression or anxiety. But for those of us that do, we know that it is, oh. so. real.
What I found while studying on postpartum depression and anxiety
Medical research explains how the feelings mothers have are caused by hormonal disruption, AKA hormonal imbalance, and that is a natural part of the birthing process to experience these feelings. Some refer its similarities to emotions that accompany our monthly cycle, yet magnified greatly. However you want to explain it, it’s hard, it’s real, and your not alone.
https://www.victoriavn.com/en/health-library/how-long-will-it-take-to-settle-your-hormones-down-after-giving-birth …says that it usually takes about 6-8 weeks for your hormones to level out after giving birth, unless you are breastfeeding, in which case, some of the hormonal imbalances can linger throughout the course of breastfeeding .
So, why is it we hear of so many mothers facing these battles long after this timeframe?
After much bible studying, weeks of research, and discussions with mothers who overcame post partum depression and anxiety, I personally believe, that the anxiety and depression experienced by postpartum mothers is truly triggered by hormone imbalances and that it is an actual medical situation that is real, and in most cases, eventually works itself out.
* Health concern
As mentioned above, most postpartum hormone imbalances do not last forever. If you are experiencing severe extended hormonal issues, along with other health symptoms, I do recommend talking to your doctor to make sure your body is recovering correctly and is not having any problems replenishing the hormones that it is lacking. This is a rare but real condition and your doctor should be able to easily recognize if you are suffering from such problems.
Just because postpartum depression usually works itself out, doesn’t mean you don’t need support or help to overcome postpartum depression and anxiety, because you definitely do! Just like in any trial, you need your family, your church, your friends, and most of all, God, He’s the one who can help you truly overcome postpartum depression and anxiety. On the other hand, I also believe that if post postpartum depression is not dealt with promptly, it can lead to more than a hormonal imbalance…
An Inch Or A Mile
Most of us however, find ourselves well past the 6-8week postpartum time frame, healthy , and yet, we are still facing some sort of depression & anxiety. What happened?
This is where I believe things get complicated and become more than “postpartum recovery”.
Ephesians 6:12 KJV- For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
The devil is continually looking for ways to weigh us down and eventually devour us. As we go through each step of life, good or bad, he is looking for any opportunity to trip us up. He looks in our marriage, our homes, our friendships, our family, our church, our job, any place or person to put division , oughts, bitterness, reasons to question God, worry, you name it and Satan’s thought of it.
1Peter 5:8 says KJV- “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”
When trying to overcome postpartum depression and anxiety, one already feeling a little confused and weary, this is a perfect time for Satan to sneak in and “hopefully”… go completely unnoticed, after all, it’s just postpartum depression, right?
My first word of advise would be to not let the devil take place in your mind. As you face weakness, confusion, and depressing thoughts, due to hormonal imbalance. Keep them at bay and guard your heart with the word of God, uplifting preaching songs of worship, thankfulness and praise. Satan cannot dwell in the presence of the things of God and neither can his oppressions.
Isaiah 26: 3 (KJV)- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Philippians 4:7 (KJV)- And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
2Timothy 1:7 KJV- For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Psalm 56:3 KJV- What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Psalm 94:19 KJV-In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
Verses like these, can help you focus on the things of God, and not give the devil any place while you fight to overcome postpartum depression and anxiety . For as the old saying goes, if you give Satan an inch, he will take a mile.
Is it to late?
Has it been month’s or years and your still facing these battles? Maybe it didn’t even start with a pregnancy but somehow, somewhere in your life, Satan was given just an inch and now he’s taking mile after mile, overwhelming your mind and home with depression, anxiety, and stress.
Living under your privilege
As a child of God, this is NOT God’s will for your life to be overcome by postpartum depression and anxiety!Believe me because I, too, let the devil have an inch of my mind after weeks and weeks of postpartum anxiety. I was convinced I’d always live like this, until one day I’d had enough. I began reading the promises of God, Listening to the the man of God preach, I knew I was living well under my privilege. If you are living a life controlled by anxiety, stress, depression, or anything other than the joys of the Lord, then you, my friend, are as I was, I am now here to offer you a ray of hope.
Promises of God to lean on while trying to overcome postpartum depression and anxiety
It is completely normal to be faced with depression and anxiety, but it should never be normal, as Christians, to live in defeat or to be overcome by these direct attacks of Satan. As a child of God you have the privilege and the weapons to overcome post partum depression and anxiety.
Here are just a few promises in God’s word, I encourage you to study and find more for yourself. Read God’s word regularly, listen to it if that is easier for your new schedule. (I love the KJV Gideon bible app’s FREE dramatized version) linked here below.
Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)….for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Isaiah 26: 3 KJV- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Psalm 146:5 (KJV) Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope [is] in the LORD his God:
Ephesians 4:23 (KJV)And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Romans 12:21 (KJV) Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good
In Closing
The fact is, many people are trying to overcome postpartum depression and anxiety everyday and never talk about it. If you are one of those people, remember this. How you handle the attack will determine the outcome. Handle every battle with prayer, fight every battle with God’s word, and praise your way through every trial. Never forget that you are an overcomer through Christ! As Easter approaches next month, reflect on this passage…
Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Healing can come in many forms, a healing of the heart, a healing of the body, a healing of the mind. What kind of healing do you need ? The price has already been paid!
Isaiah 41:13 KJV- For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV – Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Isaiah 41:10 – KJV Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Psalm 34:4 KJV I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
More recommendations while you overcome postpartum depression and anxiety with Christ
As I have written above, the number one thing to do with depression and anxiety is to give it to God and focus on the things of God .
Here are a few other recommendations for those facing short term, postpartum , hormonal depression and anxiety.
- Don’t isolate. It’s so easy to cut yourself off from the world with the coming of a newborn. Make an effort to reach out to friends and family even if it’s by phone. You will be surprised how much a conversation can boost your spirits!
- Call instead of Google. Got a new mom question? Call your mother, friend, or sister instead of googling. This gives you an excuse to talk, whilst strengthening your relationships in this straining time.
- Txt if u can’t call, at least it’s a person.
- Get counsel from spiritual hero. If you’re facing uncertain feelings or worries, don’t hesitate to reach out to a spiritual mother for advice or just a listening ear.
- Focus on thankfulness. Negativity is diminished in the presence of gratefulness.
Colossians 3: 15 KJV And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
- Remember this is just a season, it will pass.
- Busy yourself
- Idleness is the devils workshop
- Work on a new devotional time if needed Don’t loose your devotion time, try out new times & schedules if need be. This leads to my next tip of advise…
- Be flexible. Flexibility is a character trait. Practice it, you will stress a lot less when you do.
- Forgive yourself. Adding a new life to your home changes EVERYTHING! Don’t expect to figure it all out in the first couple days. You will find a new normal and you will love it, just take your time and forgive yourself when it don’t go as planned .
- Treasure the moment. Again, this time is just a chapter of life, don’t miss the joys of it while fretting over the struggle.
- Celebrate every little victory. Did the baby sleep 4hrs? Did you drink 8 glasses of water today? Celebrate!
- Stop watching the clock. This is one piece of advice I am not very good at. I do know, watching the clock through the night can make for a long night if you’re not careful. One mom recommended not watching the clock through those nights at all. 🤷♀️ Either way, I do recommend not dwelling on every minute of sleep you get or miss.
- Sleep whenever and don’t feel guilty. Need a nap? Need to sleep in? Do it! Well, if the baby is you can lol. Remember, your schedule is all mixed up, you might feel guilty taking a nap but that may be the only time to catch up on your rest. And yes, rest is important, even for mom’s.
- Toss the schedule if need be. This goes back to flexibility. Don’t fret if your schedule ain’t working out. Try again, or put it on pause, you will get it.
- Don’t feel guilty accepting help. It’s ok to accept help or even ask for it. You are not slacking, bad, or a failure for admitting you are overwhelmed. You are just being humble, honest, and human, of which are all admirable traits.
- Date your husband. Make time for your husband! My mom always told me, when your babies are gone, you will have your husband, don’t forget to take care of him” did you know you don’t have to leave your baby to date? Check out my post on “Date nights after the kids go to bed” and this post by new mercies on “Date your mate ideas on a budget” many of these can be done at home and with a baby.
- Listen to advice but feel no guilt in your own decisions. Advice from other mothers, young and old is priceless. Take it serious and be grateful for it but don’t feel bad about the final decisions you and your husband make together for your little one. God gave you that baby to raise according to His word.
- Take care of yourself! Be sure to take care of yourself through this time. Don’t stress over your looks and weight. But don’t “let yourself go” out of stress either.
- Give yourself grace. You spent nine months making this baby, don’t expect to be back to normal in 9 weeks, physically or mentally. Make a plan, take little steps, and celebrate your victories.
I hope you have received some type of encouragement from this post. If you know anyone that would benefit from this reading please share below.
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– Erica (ASimplerLife.blog)
Related Links & Post
Date night ideas after the kids go to bed
KJV dramatized FREE Gideon bible app
Date your mate on a budget by new mercies
