Ivana Poku Postnatal depression (PPD) can feel overwhelming, isolating, and downright scary.
When you’re caring for a tiny human on top of all those heavy emotions, it can feel impossible to even think about asking for help.
You might catch yourself asking the same questions over and over:
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How does PPD affect my baby?
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Will this impact my milk supply?
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What happens if I admit I’m struggling—will someone take my baby away?
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How is this affecting the people around me?
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How long will this last?
You desperately want to feel better, but the fear of speaking up holds you back. Naturally, the question pops into your head: Can postnatal depression go away on its own?
The short answer is: no.
However, the reality is a bit more complicated.
But first, hello!
My name is Ivana, and I run MumsJourney, a blog dedicated to supporting mums through every stage of their motherhood journey. I’m also the author of Motherhood: The Unspoken and an award-winning maternal mental health advoce and mentor.
After giving birth to my twins in 2016, I experienced severe PPD. It was the hardest time of my life, but it also showed me just how many mums silently struggle without the support they need.
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to help other mums feel heard, supported, and less alone. Over the years, I’ve shared advice, tips, and real-life stories to guide mums through the storm of postnatal depression.
In this post, I cover:
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What PPD actually is
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Why it usually doesn’t go away on its own
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How to recover as quickly as possible and feel like yourself again
Why Postnatal Depression Needs Treatment
Postnatal depression (also called postpartum depression or PND) is a serious mental health condition that deserves proper care.
It’s different from the “baby blues,” which affect up to 80% of new mums. Baby blues usually fade within a couple of weeks without medical intervention.
PPD, on the other hand, affects around 1 in 7 women in the first year after giving birth. And I’m convinced the real number is higher because many cases go unreported.
Think of it like any physical illness: diabetes, cancer, a broken leg. You wouldn’t expect it to magically heal without treatment. PPD is the same.
I talk more about postnatal depression here:
Can I Recover from PPD Without Medication?
It depends on the severity of the depression.
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Mild PPD: Sometimes, self-care, talking therapies, and a strong support network may be enough.
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Moderate to severe PPD: Professional help, including medication, is often necessary.
Even mild PPD can worsen quickly if ignored. That’s why it’s so important to reach out as soon as you notice the signs.
Are Antidepressants Safe?
Many mums worry about taking antidepressants.
They worry about dependency, feeling “numb,” or breastfeeding are common.
But here’s the truth: antidepressants aren’t addictive in the traditional sense.
They won’t cure your depression, but they can lift the fog enough for you to start functioning and addressing the underlying issues.
Think of them as a bridge to recovery, helping you get out of bed, take care of yourself, and take the first steps toward healing.
Once you’re more stable, you can explore other treatments: talking therapies, alternative therapies, self-care routines, and honest conversations with people you trust.
That’s where real recovery begins.
My Personal Experience
For me, antidepressants were a crucial first step.
They didn’t cure my depression, but they helped me function and gave me strength to start healing.
From there, talking openly, accepting help, and moving my body made a huge difference.
None of it would have been possible if I hadn’t taken that first brave step: admitting I needed help.
I know it feels terrifying to reach out.
But if you want to feel happy again, enjoy motherhood, and feel like YOU again, you can’t do it alone.
Even starting small helps: talk to partner, family member, friend, or join a support group.
Just being heard is incredibly powerful.
(I share more about my recovery journey and practical tips in my book, Motherhood: The Unspoken.)
Can Postnatal Depression Go Away on Its Own?
To sum it up: PPD rarely resolves without intervention.
The sooner you seek support, the sooner you can start feeling better.
You don’t need to hit rock bottom first.
Take that first small step today.
Speak up, reach out, and remember: you are not alone.
Thousands of mums, including me, have felt exactly how you’re feeling, and have come through the other side.
If you need help, I’m always here for you.
And if you have any questions, please drop them in the comments and I’ll respond as soon as I can.
With love,
Ivana xx
