Postnatal Depression: A Personal Story of Recovery
Postnatal depression (PND) is a type of depression that can develop in the weeks or months following childbirth. It’s important to understand that PND is not a sign of weakness or failure—it’s a medical condition that affects many new mothers. Symptoms can vary but often include ongoing feelings of sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and irritability. Some mothers with PND struggle to bond with their babies, which can impact early attachment and emotional wellbeing.
One mother, who kindly shared her experience in a local baby and toddler magazine, describes her journey through postnatal depression and how counselling helped her recover. With her permission, we’ve adapted her story to protect her privacy.
A Mother’s Experience with Postnatal Depression
“I was a mum with a nine-month-old baby, and everyone kept telling me how lucky I was to be at home with my child. But I didn’t feel lucky—I wasn’t happy. I had imagined motherhood would bring joy, but instead, I felt exhausted all the time and struggled to sleep at night. I dreaded my baby crying and felt no emotional connection with her.
I was irritable and found myself snapping over the smallest things. My frustration often spilled over—I’d shout at my baby and feel irritated with my husband. No matter what he did, it never seemed right to me. I lost motivation for daily tasks. The washing piled up, the house was a mess, and unopened mail stacked on the table. I felt isolated and alone.
Even when I went to toddler groups, I felt invisible. I sat in the corner, hoping someone would talk to me, but no one did. Before becoming a mum, I was confident and sociable. I had supportive friends, but over time, they stopped calling. I felt abandoned, as if I was doing something wrong. But the truth was, I was struggling with depression.
Finding Help Through Counselling
In 2012, I came across an advert in Link Magazine for a counsellor who specialised in postnatal depression. What caught my attention was the option for email counselling—perfect for me as a new mum. Admitting I had depression was tough, but it was the first step towards healing.
For three months, I worked with my counsellor. Opening up about my feelings was difficult at first, but gradually, I felt a shift. Talking through my thoughts helped me feel more in control. I learned to manage my emotions and develop a daily routine. My counsellor taught me techniques to reframe my negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.
One day, everything changed. My child ran into my arms, and for the first time, I felt overwhelmed with love and joy. I finally felt lucky to be her mother. Not every day is perfect, but overall, I am happy. I’m making new friends and, most importantly, I enjoy the time I spend with my toddler.”
You Are Not Alone
If you’re struggling with postnatal depression, know that support is available. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Counselling can provide the guidance you need to navigate this challenging time and reconnect with the joy of motherhood.
If you’re looking for support with postnatal depression, our counselling services in Sheffield are here to help. Contact us today to take your first step towards recovery.
Other helpful services are: Light Peer Support,