When Joy Feels Out of Reach: Understanding Postpartum Mood Disorders

Introduction

Bringing a new life into the world is often portrayed as one of the most joyful times in a person's life. Baby showers, heartfelt congratulations, and social media posts filled with smiling newborns paint a picture of bliss and bonding. But for many new parents, especially mothers, this season of life doesn’t feel like the fairytale it’s expected to be. Instead, it can feel isolating, overwhelming, and dark. When joy feels out of reach after childbirth, postpartum mood disorders may be the reason—and it’s time we talk about them more openly.

At Mountain Brow Counselling, our therapists can help you understand the changes your body is experiencing during the postpartum period and assist you as you navigate the challenging experience of postpartum mood disorders.

What Are Postpartum Mood Disorders?

Postpartum mood disorders (PMDs) are a group of emotional and psychological conditions that can affect parents after the birth of a child. While the "baby blues"—mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and trouble sleeping—affect up to 80% of new mothers and typically resolve within two weeks, PMDs are more intense, longer-lasting, and require professional support.

The most common postpartum mood disorders include:

• Postpartum Depression (PPD)
  Characterized by deep sadness, lack of interest in the baby, feelings of worthlessness, and often a loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed. PPD affects roughly 1 in 7 mothers but is frequently underdiagnosed.

• Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)
  Marked by excessive worry, racing thoughts, irritability, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or dizziness. New parents may find themselves constantly fearing for their baby’s safety, even when there’s no rational reason to be concerned.

• Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (PPOCD)
  Involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts and compulsive behaviours. Parents with PPOCD may have disturbing images or thoughts about harming the baby, which are terrifying but not reflective of intent.

• Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (P-PTSD)
  Often linked to a traumatic birth experience, this disorder can cause flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.

• Postpartum Psychosis
  A rare but severe condition that affects 1–2 out of every 1,000 births. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and erratic behaviour. This is a psychiatric emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Why Don't We Talk About This More?

There’s an enormous amount of pressure on parents—especially mothers—to be joyful, grateful, and “natural” at parenting. When a new mom doesn’t feel that way, guilt and shame can set in quickly. Cultural expectations, stigma around mental health, and fear of being judged or labelled a “bad parent” often prevent people from speaking up.

But here's the truth: Struggling after birth does not mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.

Risk Factors

Postpartum mood disorders can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase vulnerability:

• Personal or family history of depression or anxiety

• Traumatic or difficult childbirth

• Lack of social or partner support

• Hormonal shifts

• Sleep deprivation

• Previous experiences with PMDs

• Financial stress or other life pressures

What Can You Do?

1. Know the signs.
Understanding the symptoms of postpartum mood disorders is the first step toward getting help. If you notice prolonged sadness, intense anxiety, difficulty bonding with your baby, or thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby, seek support.

2. Talk to someone.
Whether it’s a trusted friend, partner, therapist, or doctor. Don’t keep it to yourself. You're not alone, and help is available.

3. Get professional support.
Therapy, medication, support groups, and lifestyle adjustments can all play a role in recovery. There are specialists trained in perinatal mental health who can help tailor a treatment plan that works for you.

4. Build your support system.
Lean on others. This might mean asking for help with the baby, accepting meals from friends, or just having someone to talk to during the tough days.

5. Be gentle with yourself.
You’re not expected to be perfect. Parenting is hard, even under the best circumstances. Prioritize your well-being—it’s one of the best things you can do for your baby.

Final Thoughts

If joy feels out of reach in the postpartum period, know this: you are not broken, and you are not alone. Postpartum mood disorders are real, valid, and treatable. The path to healing may feel daunting, but it begins with acknowledging what you’re feeling and reaching out for support. There is light ahead, and you deserve to feel it again.

If you are in Ontario, Canada, book a consultation with one of our amazing therapists today, and you can get the support you need.