The happiest day isn’t always the happiest season, and saying that out loud can save a life. We sit down with AFSP area director Jacqueline Sharp to trace a clear line between baby blues and postpartum depression, talk frankly about suicidal thoughts after birth, and map the small, practical choices that turn the tide. No clichés, no shaming, just lived experience, credible guidance, and the kind of details you can use today.

We explore why postpartum struggles often stay hidden behind “you should be so happy,” how bonding challenges and perfectionism fuel shame, and what partners can do to truly help. From miscarriage and the quiet grief of trying to conceive, to hormonal freefalls, thyroid shifts, and the myth of “bounce back,” we bring nuance to a spectrum of maternal mental health experiences. We also get specific about support: setting boundaries with visitors, using an “eight minutes” code to ask for help, deciding between breastfeeding and formula without guilt, and building routines that reconnect you with your body and the world.

Medication and therapy are on the table, with a reminder to consult your OB‑GYN about safe options and dosing, and to seek a second opinion when needed. We share the numbers every family should save: 988 for immediate crisis and the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746), available 24/7 in multiple languages. If you’re navigating postpartum depression, or love someone who might be, this conversation offers clarity, comfort, and a path forward. If it resonates, subscribe, share it with your village, and leave a review to help more parents find real support.

If you are in an crisis or feel unsafe, call or text 988 or dial 911 for immediate support. There are people out there who will listen and can help.

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