Post Natal Depression is never an easy subject to write or talk about, perhaps we should.

This condition affects many, yet remains widely misunderstood. Many individuals suffer in silence; I am among them, and there's no shame in that.

Perinatal anxiety and depression can impact both parents, from conception onwards, not just mothers. This distress can deeply affect relationships between parent and baby, partners, and the extended family, across all walks of life.

The Dual Nature of Parenting

Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging endeavors we undertake.

We constantly question ourselves, as does everyone else, about whether we're truly doing okay.

It's a journey of profound self-discovery—understanding who we are, where we're going, where we've come from, and what we've learned from our own childhoods and life experiences.

It's not always pretty; sometimes it's downright messy. But it's also an opportunity to focus on what we truly want for ourselves and our children's futures.

At our highest points, our hearts could burst with pride, happiness, and fulfillment. At our lowest, we may be filled with exhaustion, self-doubt, and guilt.

We've created a miracle—a beautiful, peaceful child filled with love and wonder.

We can be our own greatest cheerleaders and, sadly, our own worst critics. It's a significant test of our relationship with ourselves and our partners. We don't always feel like we get it right all the time; however, we always get it just right enough!

It takes a village to raise a child, and these days, our village is often far away. We're all in this together—supporting, growing, and learning. There are no rights or wrongs, no failures, no rule book. Our good enoughs are exactly that... they are good enough.

You've got this! We've all got this!

Reaching Out

You reached out to me that morning because you'd hit a wall. Some time had passed; the dust had settled. Maybe the new baby novelty had worn off because everyone had kind of moved on. Except you. You were still experiencing intense and consuming moments of worry. I assured you there was absolutely no shame in that.

You were unsure of what was happening to you. The bottom line was that you felt 'out of control,' and it was starting to make you feel emotionally fragile, unsafe, and unwell.

"I feel so alone."

This is definitely not how it is supposed to be.

It was hard for you to understand why you still felt that way. You felt some guilt, perhaps even some embarrassment about how you were feeling. Society often teaches us that we must always be happy and grateful to be pregnant and have a baby. We often tell ourselves to just put up with uncomfortable feelings and brush them off.

"These other feelings just aren’t talked about; my only regret is that I didn’t speak up sooner."

Any type of acute anxiety causes a biological response: fight, flight, or freeze. The mind becomes hyperactive; thoughts are primitive and get stuck in survival mode. That’s exhausting!

You never knew when it was going to hit you; it felt irrational and very real. You always felt as if you were anxiously waiting for something awful to happen, and you had no idea where that had come from.

"Some days, I feel like I’m drowning. I want to be me again, not defined by all this fear and anxiety."

We spent time on grounding techniques to first get you in a calmer state of mind. You were frightened of being prescribed medication, then acknowledged you might need something. "It’s OK if you do; there’s no shame in that. If you find you do, it won’t be forever," I told you. It generally isn’t.

The next time we met, you had reached a much more relaxed place; you said you were sleeping better too. We were able to work through all of where you’d been, really unpack it to understand what had triggered such feelings of uncertainty. We explored other events in your life that you had overcome, and together we made small, bite-sized goals to increase more enjoyment in your journey as a mother.

The next time I saw your name, you were empowering other mothers in an online parenting forum. You now had a lived experience, and you wanted to share to lighten someone else’s load.

You literally 'Paid it Forward,' and I couldn’t have been prouder.

The Importance of Connection

When we’re navigating stormy waters, the instinct is often to withdraw. Yet, this is when we most need connection—to feel seen, heard, and supported. Social isolation, especially when combined with anxiety or deep sadness, can feel excruciatingly lonely. That’s why small moments of outreach can make all the difference, whether it’s a message to a friend, a conversation with a trusted professional, or even reading a blog like this to remind yourself: You’re not alone.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to admit it’s hard. And it’s okay to want more support.

Let’s Take the Next Step Together
You don’t have to face this alone. Whether you’re seeking guidance, tools to manage anxiety, or someone to listen without judgment, I’m here for you. Together, we can explore what you need to feel calmer, stronger, and more connected.

👉 Learn more about my Parent Coaching services
👉 Book a Free Discovery Call here

Your journey matters, and so do you.