Looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day this May? Becoming a parent is an incredible, life-changing experience but can also bring emotional challenges you might not expect. If you’re struggling with the ups and downs of parenthood, know that you’re not alone—it’s okay to feel this way. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects many new parents, and recognizing the symptoms early can make a world of difference.
At Northeast Health Services, we’re here to support you with personalized depression treatment in your local community. We understand how tough things can feel, and our goal is to connect you with care that’s compassionate, effective, and genuinely focused on you. Whether you’re a new parent or supporting one, we can help you take the first step toward healing. Call our team at 508.794.8711 or contact us online to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Tips for maintaining parental mental health
Your mental health matters just as much as your physical recovery after childbirth. Feeling the pressure to “bounce back” or always be joyful as a parent is so common—but the truth is, your mental health is a journey, and it deserves care, rest, and support. Mother’s Day every May serves as a heartfelt reminder to all mothers and parents that nurturing yourself is just as vital as caring for your child.
Here are a few gentle reminders to help protect your well-being:
- Lean on people you trust: Talk about how you feel with a partner, friend, or therapist. Sharing can lighten the load.
- Rest when you can: Sleep might feel impossible some days, but even short breaks or quiet moments matter.
- Let go of perfection: No one has it all figured out. Your best is always enough.
- Say “yes” to help: Whether it’s someone dropping off a meal, folding laundry, or just listening, accepting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Check in with yourself: Notice how you’re feeling—your emotions, energy, and stress—to recognize when something feels off.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s how you can keep showing up for the people you love.
What to know about postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that affects about one in eight women in the United States after giving birth, according to March of Dimes. But it doesn’t just affect birth mothers—partners and adoptive parents can also experience it, showing how far-reaching it is.
PPD is much more than just the “baby blues,” which usually fade within a couple of weeks. It can show up anytime in the first year after having a baby, and without support or treatment, it can stick around much longer. Sadly, many people feel ashamed to express their feelings, but staying silent makes the struggle harder. Talking about PPD and understanding it is the first step toward healing and making life better for everyone involved.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression can look different for everyone. You might notice some of these signs, or maybe just a few:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty most of the time
- Losing interest in things you used to love
- Changes in your appetite or sleep habits
- Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or even angry
- Struggling to bond with your baby
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Having scary or intrusive thoughts, like fears about hurting yourself or your baby
If this sounds familiar or you’re worried about someone you care about, please know you’re not alone. Support is out there, and things can get better. Reach out—you deserve help and healing.
How is PPD different from other depressive disorders?
Postpartum depression is classified as a subtype of major depressive disorder (MDD), but it’s uniquely linked to the hormonal, physical, and emotional changes that happen after childbirth. What sets it apart is the timing and context: it occurs during a deeply transitional and vulnerable period.
Unlike general depression, PPD often includes guilt or fear specifically related to parenting, along with disruptions in the parent-child bond. That emotional complexity is why seeking treatment from providers who understand the nuances of parental mental health is so important.
Why is an early diagnosis of PPD and treatment necessary?
Identifying postpartum depression early is essential for both the parent and the baby. When left untreated, PPD can interfere with a parent’s ability to care for and bond with their child. It may also increase the risk of developmental challenges in children and long-term mental health issues for the parent.
The good news is that treatment can lead to meaningful recovery. A 2023 study from the CDC found that 75% of people who received care for PPD reported significant improvements in their symptoms within six months.1 Support works, and it’s never too late to reach out.
How depression treatment can help
Northeast Health Services offers holistic care that meets you where you are. Whether you prefer in-person or telehealth services, our network across Massachusetts provides personalized therapy, psychiatric medication management, and interventional psychiatry options like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy and Spravato® treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
We recognize that every client’s experience with postpartum depression is different. That’s why our care teams work closely with you to build a plan that reflects your needs and goals—from therapy approaches that include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness to psychiatric support tailored for postpartum healing. NEHS is deeply involved in our local communities and committed to expanding access to high-quality mental health care in Massachusetts. With more than 25 locations across the state, our team at Northeast Health Services is here to support you. Our compassionate intake team is ready to guide you every step of the way as you move toward healing.
Transform your life with Northeast Health Services in Massachusetts
You deserve to feel seen, supported, and empowered in this season of your life. If you or a loved one is navigating the weight of postpartum depression symptoms, know that Northeast Health Services is here to help. Depression treatment can be a turning point—and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
NEHS is here to help you manage your mental health. Call us today at 508.794.8711 to learn more or schedule an appointment. If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
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