Postnatal Depression vs. Postnatal Depletion
There’s no doubt about it… motherhood is EXHAUSTING. One minute, you’re staring at your baby thinking, Wow, I made this tiny human, and the next, you’re crying because you can’t get them down for their nap, or your coffee got cold (again). If you’re like me, it might feel like you’re constantly exhausted, overwhelmed, or just not yourself, and yet we’ve come to accept that this is just the way it is. Should we really be okay with putting up with this persistent brain fog and fatigue… or is it something more? It’s worth considering… you might be dealing with postnatal depression (PND) or postnatal depletion—two different but equally challenging experiences. Let’s break them down…
The Baby Blues vs. Postnatal Depression
First things first—the baby blues. The one that everyone talks about, and grandma’s love to blame every tear on. Almost every new mom gets hit with this emotional rollercoaster in the first couple of weeks postpartum… for me (and I should note that I’m not “a crier” and don’t have a history of any mental health issues), it was days three to six, when the tears just wouldn’t stop coming. During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone hormones are steadily climbing, and after giving birth, they drop drastically. Thanks to this extreme hormone crash, zero sleep, and the sheer shock of new motherhood, you might find yourself weepy, anxious, or just a little “off.” The good news? It’s completely normal, and it usually fades within two weeks.
Postnatal depression (PND), on the other hand, is a different beast. It’s a clinically recognized condition affecting approximately 10-20% of new mothers, and involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in daily activities, typically occurring within the first year after childbirth (but can last longer). In other words, it sticks around longer, hits harder, and can seriously affect your ability to function.
Signs of Postnatal Depression:
Prolonged periods of low mood
So exhausted you could cry (but also too tired to cry)
Snapping at everyone (even your baby)
Not finding joy in the things you used to love
Struggling to bond with your baby
Intense anxiety or full-on panic attacks
Scary thoughts (if this happens, get help ASAP—you are not alone!)
Postnatal Depletion: The Motherhood Burnout No One Talks About
Now let’s talk postnatal depletion - a term I hadn’t come across before, but makes so much sense. If you’re feeling like a burnt-out shell of your former self, this might be what’s going on. It’s not a mental illness, but rather a state of full-body WTF-is-happening depletion. And it can last for years if you don’t get the right support.
Signs of Postnatal Depletion:
Running on fumes 24/7
Mom brain? More like brain fog city
Mood swings that make you feel like a hormonal teenager
Always on edge, like your nervous system is permanently in fight-or-flight mode, or feeling “touched out”
Nutrient deficiencies (think: iron, B vitamins, omega-3s)
Body aches, random illnesses, and feeling generally meh
While PND is mostly about your mental and emotional state, postnatal depletion is your body waving a white flag, screaming for rest and nourishment. And yes, you can have both at the same time. Fun, right?
The key differences between Postnatal Depression vs. Postnatal Depletion?
Duration: PND typically occurs within the first year postpartum, while postnatal depletion can last for years. PND is also more persistent, whereas you may still have some good moments or find some relief from postnatal depletion with rest, nutrition, and some time for YOU.
Focus: PND is primarily emotional and psychological, whereas postnatal depletion is more physical and nutritional, although it also impacts emotional well-being. Confusing, right?!
Intensity: PND involves more intense emotional symptoms, while postnatal depletion is characterized by a prolonged state of exhaustion. You may not tick all the boxes for a clinical diagnosis of PND, but there’s still something going on? It’s likely to be postnatal depletion.
What can I do about it?
Energy Drains vs. Energy Givers:
The Motherkind Approach
In her book Motherkind, Zoe Blaskey highlights the importance of identifying what drains your energy and what restores it. Understanding this balance can help prevent postnatal depletion from taking over your life.
Common Energy Drains:
Overcommitting to social obligations
Lack of sleep (hello, night feeds)
Comparing yourself to the Instagram-perfect moms
Poor nutrition and skipping meals
Trying to do everything yourself
Powerful Energy Givers:
Prioritizing rest whenever possible
Nourishing your body with real food and hydration
Setting boundaries and saying no (guilt-free!)
Asking for and accepting help (yes, really!)
Taking time for small joys (a solo walk, a warm coffee, a deep breath outside)
First steps (Because You Deserve It!):
If you’re not sure whether you have postnatal depression or postnatal depletion, start here:
Make an appointment with your GP (and ask them to do some bloodwork to identify any deficiencies). They are also your first line of defence in discussing the possibility of PND.
Make a self-care plan: If you’re feeling depleted, start identifying your energy drains and energy givers, and make a plan (ideally in collaboration with your support person) on the first steps you will take in addressing these.
Whether it’s PND, depletion, or just too much everything, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Here’s how to start feeling human again.
For Postnatal Depletion:
Feed yourself like you matter – Real food, hydration, and good supplements.
Sleep however you can – Even if it’s sneaky naps or trading night shifts.
Outsource like a boss – Grocery delivery, cleaning help, whatever lightens the load.
Reclaim YOU – Even if it’s just a solo Homesense run or journaling in the bathroom.
For Postnatal Depression:
Talk to a pro – Therapy, meds, or both—there’s no shame in getting help.
Find your people – Moms, support groups, or anyone who gets it.
Do one thing for yourself daily – Even five minutes of fresh air counts.
Ask for help – And actually accept it (yes, really!).
The Bottom Line
Here’s the deal: Motherhood is HARD, and you are not broken for struggling. Society does a terrible job supporting new moms, but that doesn’t mean you have to white-knuckle your way through. You deserve care, rest, and help—full stop.
The MotherFlock is here to remind you that healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. If you need support, reach out. You are worthy of love, rest, and a hot coffee. (Seriously, someone warm that up for you!)
Check out our blog post on: Finding Your Calm: The Best Clinical Counsellors in Vancouver for Moms
Need some additional resources? Check out the following websites:BC Women’s Website on Postpartum Mood
Here to Help BC
If you are in crisis, please call the BC Mental Health Line at 310-6789, go to your local emergency department, or call 911. For the Suicide Crisis Helpline, call or text 988, any time, anywhere in Canada.
