A Personal Journey with Postpartum Depression 

The story of postpartum depression (PPD) isn’t just statistics and medical jargon—it’s a deeply personal experience that can touch any family. For me, this hit home when my wife Ashley, after the birth of our son, began to show signs of PPD. Graham was a high-risk pregnancy and came into the world courtesy of an emergency c-section at thirty-two weeks. His arrival increased her likelihood of developing PPD—something I wish we’d known at the time. What should have been a time of joy and connection quickly turned into a period filled with emotional strain, uncertainty, and overwhelming challenges.

I watched as my wife struggled with persistent sadness, anxiety, and guilt—symptoms that went beyond the “baby blues” and affected many aspects of our lives, from our ability to bond with our newborn to our family’s overall well-being. Moreover, my wife’s experience was met with skepticism – how could someone so poised and polished be experiencing PPD? 

The reality is that PPD can affect any mom – it does not discriminate. I’ve learned that our story is sadly all too common, and our family’s experience became a driving force behind my mission at Sage Therapeutics to make maternal mental health a priority for all. Like many individuals at Sage, my work is deeply personal, and the need for change is clear. The journey ahead is challenging, but with progress comes hope.

The Reality of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is more than just a “rough patch” after childbirth; it is a serious medical condition. In the U.S., an estimated 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of PPD, one of the most common complications of childbirth. Yet despite its prevalence, PPD is often misunderstood, overlooked, or dismissed as a natural part of the postpartum experience. This misconception contributes to the silence many women endure, not knowing that what they are going through can be far more severe than typical “baby blues.”

Unlike baby blues, which resolve within weeks, PPD involves persistent emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms, which can include intense sadness, anxiety, and thoughts of self-harm. Alarmingly, suicide is a leading cause of maternal death, contributing to up to 20% of pregnancy-related deaths. Without proper screening, up to half of all PPD cases may go undiagnosed, leaving these women without the care they desperately need. 

Stigma and misconceptions are also barriers. Black and brown women are disproportionately impacted by PPD and can face challenges like inadequate healthcare coverage, limited provider access, cultural stigma, language barriers, and a lack of diversity among healthcare professionals, which can worsen the suffering of women with PPD. 

The Turning Tide: New Innovations and Growing Awareness

Maternal mental health has gained much-needed attention recently, with the treatment landscape evolving in promising ways. A major milestone came in 2023 with the FDA approval of the first and only oral treatment specifically indicated for PPD, offering a novel option for women.

Alongside a new treatment option, a broader shift in postpartum care is taking shape. OB-GYNs, often the first point of contact for new mothers, are becoming more proactive in screening, diagnosing, and treating PPD, confidently guiding patients through their postpartum journey and driving progress in maternal mental health. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology now recommends PPD screening at perinatal visits, helping identify and support women earlier.

Public awareness has also grown significantly, with advocacy groups, social media, and influential voices spotlighting maternal mental health. Women are openly sharing their experiences, fostering a supportive community that may help to break the stigma, empower more women to seek help without shame, and encourage healthcare providers to prioritize maternal mental health.

Advancement in public policy has also played a role, with new policies allowing women with PPD to bypass step therapy and gain access to the treatment prescribed by their doctor more quickly. 

From Awareness to Action: A Brighter Future for All Women

While progress is evident, challenges remain in ensuring every woman has access to quality maternal mental healthcare. Marginalized communities face significant barriers, and addressing these disparities must be a priority. Expanded education and training for healthcare providers to recognize and treat PPD is crucial. 

Healthcare systems and practices also need to ensure screening is happening consistently and that women who are diagnosed with PPD understand all treatment options. 

Collaboration across sectors—between healthcare providers, policymakers, companies, and communities—is essential to driving future innovation and research. Recognizing maternal mental health care as a medical necessity, not an optional luxury, will expand access and prioritize PPD treatment for every mom who needs it. Open, ongoing conversations between providers and patients about mental health should be encouraged throughout the perinatal and postpartum periods, fostering trust and support during this vulnerable time.

PPD is a deeply personal experience and every journey is unique. For those who are open to sharing their stories, I encourage them to do so. Your voice can help countless women feel seen, heard, and understood, creating a powerful community where no one must face this journey alone.

And finally, I’d be remiss if I overlooked the critical role that spouses, families, and communities play. Offering empathy, patience, and understanding is vital, along with being attentive to mood or behavior changes. Open dialogue without judgment can help a struggling mother feel less isolated. Most importantly, families can help recognize PPD symptoms, encourage loved ones to talk to their doctors, and advocate for their mental health just as they would for any physical condition.

My wife Ashley’s story of fighting PPD and our family’s journey is far too common. But with growing awareness, new treatments, and continued advocacy, we’re moving closer to a future where no woman has to suffer in silence, and maternal mental health is fully prioritized and stigma-free.

For every woman and family affected by postpartum depression, there is not just hope—there is the possibility of real, transformative change. Together, we must make that change a reality.