When a baby is born, the cultural expectation is joy. But postpartum depression does not follow cultural scripts. For many mothers, the weeks and months after birth include persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, intrusive thoughts, or emotional numbness. The gap between expectation and lived experience can feel isolating and frightening. Postpartum depression is common. It is treatable. And it is often misunderstood. Let’s talk about what it really is. What Is Postpartum
