"I felt like a shell of myself, numb. Who am I? What is this?" These devastating questions haunted me after the birth of my daughter nine years ago. As a mother and Christian therapist who survived postpartum depression, I'm pulling back the curtain on maternal mental health struggles that 80% of new mothers experience but few discuss openly.

The staggering reality is that suicide remains one of the leading causes of death during the postpartum period. Yet the stigma surrounding maternal mental health keeps countless women suffering in silence, afraid to admit they're struggling, worried about judgment, or terrified their children might be taken away. I know these fears firsthand – at my six-week checkup, I wasn't honest on my depression screening, prolonging my suffering unnecessarily.

Beyond the typical "baby blues" that last 2-3 weeks, about 30% of mothers experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that require support. Risk factors include family history, traumatic births, lack of social support, past trauma, and relationship problems. These conditions manifest not just as depression but also anxiety, OCD behaviors, and in rare but serious cases, postpartum psychosis requiring immediate medical attention.

When left untreated, these conditions affect everything – from bonding with your baby to your marriage relationship. I remember hiding in my closet, crying and praying for help when the isolation became too much. This transition to motherhood, what experts call "matrescence," deserves the same preparation and support as other major life transitions.

If you're struggling, please ask yourself: How different would your experience be if you prioritized your wellness today? What if you shared your heart with God and connected with safe people who can support you? The journey through maternal mental health challenges isn't one you should walk alone. Share this episode with a mother who might need to hear she's not alone, and join our community as we continue exploring motherhood honestly together.

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