Postpartum Depression & Anxiety: You’re Not Alone, and Help Is Here

Written By Zoe Papadatos

Bringing a baby into the world is a life-changing experience — full of love, adjustment, and often, unexpected emotions. While many people talk about the joy and bonding that come with new motherhood, what’s often left out is how challenging and emotionally overwhelming it can also feel.

If you’re feeling low, anxious, or not quite like yourself after giving birth, please know this: you’re not alone — and there is no shame in how you’re feeling. In fact, postpartum depression and anxiety are among the most common complications after childbirth, affecting up to 1 in 5 mothers in Australia.

Let’s talk about what that looks like, and how you can gently start reaching out for support.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression (also called perinatal depression) is more than just a rough day or “baby blues.” The baby blues are common in the first week or two postpartum, usually resolving on their own. But if feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emotional numbness linger, it may be something deeper.

Common signs of postpartum depression:

  • Feeling sad, down, or teary most days

  • Difficulty bonding with your baby

  • Feeling disconnected, empty, or like you're just "going through the motions"

  • Guilt, shame, or feeling like you're not a good enough mum

  • Low energy or constant fatigue

  • Difficulty sleeping (even when baby sleeps)

  • Changes in appetite

  • Thoughts of self-harm or wanting to escape

What Is Postpartum Anxiety?

Postpartum anxiety can show up on its own or alongside depression. It often involves constant worry, racing thoughts, and feeling overwhelmed, even when there’s no clear reason why.

Common signs of postpartum anxiety:

  • Persistent worrying, especially about your baby’s health or safety

  • Feeling on edge, restless, or unable to relax

  • Physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or tight chest

  • Trouble sleeping or concentrating

  • Feeling a strong need to be in control or unable to delegate care

These feelings can be scary — but they are treatable, and you’re absolutely not alone in experiencing them.

Reaching Out for Help

Asking for help isn’t easy — especially when you're exhausted or feel like you "should" be coping. But reaching out is one of the strongest and most important things you can do, both for yourself and your baby.

Here are trusted Australian support services you can contact, confidentially and without judgment:

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)

  • A caring helpline just for new and expecting parents

  • 📞 1300 726 306 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7:30pm AEST)

  • 🌐 www.panda.org.au

COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence)

Beyond Blue

MumSpace

  • Supporting your mental and emotional wellbeing during and after pregnancy

  • 🌐 https://www.mumspace.com.au/

Lifeline

The Gidget Foundation

Your GP or Child Health Nurse

They can guide you through options like counselling, support groups, or referrals to perinatal mental health specialists. It all starts with a simple conversation.

A Counsellor or Psychologist

Sometimes just having someone neutral to talk to — someone trained to hold space for your experience — can be a powerful step toward healing. Counsellors and psychologists can support you through postpartum depression and anxiety, helping you gently explore your feelings, build coping strategies, and move forward at your own pace.

You Deserve Care Too

Taking care of your baby is important — but so is taking care of you. You’re adjusting to one of life’s biggest changes, and it’s okay if it’s harder than you expected.

At Coastal Wellness Cottage, we’re here to support you in a way that feels gentle, real, and respectful of where you’re at. Whether you need emotional support, guidance around feeding, or just someone to talk to who understands, we’re here when you’re ready.

You are not alone. You are not failing. You are loved.

Zoe Papadatos
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