The Gift of Healing: Why You Should Give Yourself The Gift of Therapy

Supporting new moms through the holiday season

Supporting Moms with Postpartum Depression During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, celebration, and connection. But for many moms or dads, particularly those struggling with Postpartum Depression (PPD), this time of year can be overwhelming. The pressures of family gatherings, managing expectations, and the added demands of the holidays can leave you feeling more stress than joy. Know that you are not alone and you are not the only one. 

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a the feelings of sadness and “overwhelm” that affects 1 in 7 mothers. Symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, sadness, irritability, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and difficulty bonding with your baby.

During the holiday season, when families are expected to be together and celebrate, these feelings can intensify. The pressure to appear joyful or "put together" can make it even harder to reach out for help. But recognizing the need for support is the first step toward recovery, and therapy can be an essential tool in this process.

For moms in Oregon, with its cold, rainy winters, shorter daylight hours; or Virginia, where seasonal transitions can bring fluctuating weather patterns, the additional stress of the holidays can exacerbate feelings of isolation and fatigue and Postpartum Depression. 

The Benefits of Therapy for Moms with Postpartum Depression

1. Validation and Empowerment
   Therapy offers a non-judgmental space where moms can express their emotions freely without fear of criticism or shame. Just knowing that their feelings are valid and understood can be empowering. Many mothers find that therapy helps them feel more confident and capable in their role, and less defined by their depression.

2. Increased Coping Skills
   Therapy can equip moms with practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns. Techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and thought reframing can be particularly effective in managing overwhelming emotions during the holiday season. These tools help moms respond to challenging moments with more patience and calm, both for themselves and their family. 

3. Practical Help and Connection: Therapy can offer specific, tangible assistance and resources when it comes to baby routines, house chores, managing work/life schedules, toddler behavior, extended family visits, etc.

4. Self-Care is Key: It's easy for mothers to prioritize the needs of others—especially during the holidays—but neglecting one's own mental health can worsen feelings of guilt and anxiety. Seeking therapy allows moms to focus on their own well-being and teaches them that it's okay to ask for help. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it's necessary for both personal healing and effective caregiving.

5. Improved Bonding with Baby
   One of the most challenging aspects of postpartum depression is the difficulty some mothers feel when it comes to bonding with their baby. Therapy can address these feelings of disconnection, providing tools to build a stronger relationship with the child. It 

As mental health professionals, we can guide new moms through the complexities of postpartum depression during the holidays The holidays don’t have to be a time of “perfect” happiness—they can also be a time of healing, understanding, and self-compassion.