Look Beyond The Algorithm

Written by: Kristine Page LCPC, LPC, PMH-C

We’re Talking About Postpartum Mental Health—Now Let’s Make Sure We’re Talking About It Correctly

Postpartum depression. Postpartum anxiety. Postpartum psychosis.

These terms have been swirling around social media, in the news, in conversations with friends and family, and increasingly in our everyday language. And while I am incredibly grateful that we are talking about perinatal mental health more openly than we have in the past, there is another side to these conversations that we cannot ignore:

Misinformation.

When misinformation becomes part of the conversation, it can make an already difficult fight for mothers even harder.

Women and families are navigating enormous physical, emotional, hormonal, and psychological changes during pregnancy and postpartum. They are trying to understand what is happening to them while also caring for a baby, recovering physically, adjusting to a new identity, navigating relationships, and often functioning on very little sleep.

And yet, there is still so much we don't understand.

We are still learning about the impact of hormonal fluctuations, changes in the brain, sleep deprivation, intrusive thoughts, trauma, identity shifts, and the many biological, psychological, and social factors that can influence someone's mental health during the perinatal period.

We are also still working to understand something that seems simple but really isn't:

How long is postpartum?

Postpartum is often treated as those first six weeks after birth. But the transition into parenthood doesn't magically end at six weeks. The physical and emotional recovery from pregnancy and birth takes time. The adjustment to motherhood takes time. The changes in relationships, identity, routines, and expectations take time. We are talking at least a year, possibly up to two or three years. 

There isn't a single finish line where someone suddenly becomes "back to normal."

And then there are intrusive thoughts.

Intrusive thoughts can be frightening, especially when a new mother has never experienced them before. Having an unwanted, disturbing thought does not automatically mean someone wants to act on it. Understanding the difference between an intrusive thought and an intention to act is incredibly important—and conversations that leave out that nuance can create unnecessary fear and shame.

Postpartum psychosis, meanwhile, is a psychiatric emergency that deserves accurate information, compassionate responses, and immediate professional support. It should never be sensationalized or used to create fear around motherhood.

We can talk about these things without creating more fear.

We can talk about them honestly.
We can talk about them compassionately.
We can talk about them using research and evidence.
And we can continue learning as the research grows.

Because the truth is, we are already fighting the good fight—but we still have a long way to go.

We need more research.

More research leads to more understanding.

More understanding leads to better education, better screening, better treatment, better support, and ultimately better systems.

And better systems have the potential to make motherhood better—not just for mothers, but for their babies, partners, families, and communities.

So keep having the conversations.

So Where Do We Get Accurate Information?

If there is so much information circulating, how do we know what to trust?

Start with people and organizations who specialize in perinatal mental health.

A few places to begin:

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Postpartum Support International is a wonderful starting point for reliable information about perinatal mental health. They provide education, resources, support groups, provider directories, and a wealth of information for both families and professionals.

A Perinatal Mental Health Therapist

A therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health can help you understand what you're experiencing and sort through what is typical, what may need additional support, and when it's time to seek more specialized care.

You don't have to wait until you're in crisis to reach out.

A Reproductive Psychiatrist

Reproductive psychiatrists specialize in the intersection of mental health and reproductive stages, including pregnancy, postpartum, fertility, and loss. They can be an especially important resource when medication questions, significant symptoms, or more complex mental health concerns are involved.

Doulas

Doulas can also be valuable members of a perinatal support team. While doulas don't diagnose or treat mental health conditions, they can provide education, emotional support, advocacy, and help connect families with appropriate resources and providers.

Your Healthcare Providers

Your OB/GYN, midwife, primary care provider, pediatrician, or other healthcare professional can also be an important place to start. Let them know what you're experiencing and ask questions.

And perhaps most importantly:

Don't rely on one social media post to tell you whether what you're experiencing is "normal."

Social media can help us feel less alone. It can introduce us to new ideas and encourage important conversations. But a viral post isn't the same thing as a clinical assessment, evidence-based education, or individualized support.

When it comes to something as important as your mental health—or the mental health of someone you love—look beyond the algorithm.

Find the professionals.
Find the research.
Find the reputable organizations.
Ask questions.

And if something you read online leaves you feeling more scared, ashamed, or confused, that's a good reason to pause and seek out a trustworthy source.

We don't need less conversation about postpartum mental health. We need more accurate conversation.

Because when we replace misinformation with understanding, we create space for mothers to recognize what they're experiencing, reach out for help, and know that they don't have to navigate it alone.