Resources/Biblical Perspective/CCM Show
By Summer Lane
Photo: Deposit
What is postpartum depression? Also sometimes called the “baby blues,” it can start during pregnancy and continue until well after childbirth.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a form of depression that can manifest in different ways, like anxiety, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, trouble sleeping, crying, and so much more. It is directly linked to pregnancy and becoming a mother. There are varying degrees of severity, according to the MC, ranging from mere “gloominess” to postpartum psychosis like paranoia or obsessive thoughts.
Many, many women have experienced PPD – but they often don’t identify it as such until they are on the other side of it! About one in eight women nationally experience some kind of PPD after giving birth, but in several states, one in every five women may experience it, according to PostpartumDepression.org. The site also noted that up to 50 percent of mothers are never officially diagnosed with PPD, which just seems to prove that this difficult depressive phase is actually quite common.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, some women opt to treat their depression symptoms with psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Professionals online often urge women to find someone trusted and loved to discuss the situation with and to go from there. Finding support groups, taking care of yourself, eating right, and exercising all seem to help, as well, based on the available research. And of course, for the Christian, taking these things to the Lord in prayer is absolutely essential. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This verse is not just a feel-good slogan – it’s a promise. The Lord will be there for you. Always. Even in the deepest, darkest places.
Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
The Bible is full of wonderful promises that the Christian mother can refer to during dark times, especially during PPD. Becoming a mother – whether it’s the first time or not – is a difficult season, full of intense bodily changes, emotional and physical demands, and plenty of sleep deprivation. Be gentle with yourself if you are going through this time of difficult, and cast your cares upon the Lord.
Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
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Afraid She’d Harm Her Baby, Chilling Truth of Postpartum Depression – Amanda Scarborough
Amanda Scarborough was in a fetal position, weeping on the floor when her husband walked into their bedroom, immediately realizing that something was terribly wrong. Their baby lay crying on the bed, while Amanda had distanced herself so that she wouldn’t harm the baby. It was at that moment that she did something she hadn’t done before: she cried out for help. This is what severe postpartum depression looks like. She needed intervention, guidance, and treatment. Amanda tells her story of wrestling through the difficulties of PPD through a Biblical lens. As a business owner, wife, and mother, she has walked through some of the deepest valleys and emerged with wisdom and experience that has helped many other moms dealing with similar serious postpartum depression themselves.
Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 30 books, including the hit Collapse Series and Resurrection Series. She is an experienced journalist and editor who is covering the White House and Trump administration. She owns Write Revolution News.
Summer is also a mom and wife who enjoys rural country living, herding cats, and gardening. She is passionate about writing on women’s issues, parenting, and politics from a theologically-grounded perspective that points readers to the good news of the gospel.
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