5 Things You Need to Know About Postpartum Depression and Rage

There’s a moment in early motherhood when everything feels surreal. Maybe you’re standing in the baby aisle, staring blankly at 15 types of pacifiers, wondering if you’ll ever feel normal again. Or it’s 3 AM, you’re cradling a crying baby, and the idea of putting them down feels as impossible as climbing Everest.

You tell yourself, “This is just motherhood, right? Everyone feels this way.” But what if it’s not? What if it’s more than sleep deprivation and new-parent jitters?

Postpartum depression (PPD) and its fiery cousin, postpartum rage, are a reality for many moms. Yet we barely talk about them. Let’s change that. Because when you understand what’s happening, you can start to heal.

Here are five things you need to know.

1. How Does Postpartum Depression Occur?

It’s no secret that pregnancy and childbirth are like setting off a grenade in your body. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone skyrocket during pregnancy and then plummet after birth. This hormonal crash—paired with the life-altering responsibility of caring for a tiny human—can tip your mental health into unfamiliar territory.

But it’s not just hormones. PPD has roots in many factors: a history of anxiety or depression, lack of support, birth trauma, or even the overwhelming pressure to “get it right” as a parent.

Postpartum depression doesn’t always look like sobbing on the floor (though it can). It’s also exhaustion that doesn’t budge, irritability that leaves you snapping at everyone, or feeling emotionally numb when you thought you’d feel joy. And for moms who’ve experienced miscarriage or stillbirth, the emotional weight of loss can intertwine with PPD, making it even more complex to navigate.

The truth is, PPD can happen to anyone. It’s not a sign of failure. It’s a sign your mind and body need care.

2. Postpartum Rage: What No One Tells You About the Anger

You’ve probably heard about postpartum depression and anxiety. But rage? That’s one no one warns you about.

Postpartum rage feels like a tidal wave. It comes out of nowhere and sweeps you under. It’s slamming doors, yelling louder than you thought you could, or fuming because someone dared to chew too loudly. And then, after the outburst, there’s the shame spiral—“Why am I so angry? This isn’t me.”

But here’s the thing: postpartum rage is more common than you think, and it often goes hand-in-hand with PPD and postpartum anxiety. Rage is your body’s way of saying, “I’m overwhelmed, overworked, and I don’t know how to make it stop.” It’s not your fault, but it is a sign you need support.

3. Can Postpartum Depression Occur at 6 Months (or Later)?

If you think postpartum depression only happens in the first few weeks, think again. PPD can rear its head months after you’ve settled into the “new normal.” Six months in, you might be back at work, navigating teething, or still recovering from birth trauma—and suddenly, you’re overwhelmed by feelings you thought were behind you.

PPD doesn’t follow a set timeline. For some, it shows up within days of giving birth. For others, it can hit months (or even a year) later. This is especially true for moms who are juggling external pressures—like going back to work—or for those processing the emotional aftermath of miscarriage or stillbirth.

The takeaway? If you’re struggling, it’s never “too late” to get help.

4. Treatment Options: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Here’s the most important thing: PPD doesn’t just disappear on its own. It’s not something you can power through or wish away. But the good news? There are effective treatments to help you feel better.

Counselling is one of the most powerful tools for recovering from postpartum depression and rage. Online therapy is especially convenient for moms who can barely find time to shower, let alone drive to an appointment. From the comfort of your couch—messy bun and all—you can connect with someone who understands what you’re going through.

Therapists trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you untangle the spiraling thoughts that keep you stuck. Somatic therapy focuses on reconnecting with your body, which can feel alien after pregnancy. And for moms facing birth trauma or loss, trauma-focused approaches provide space to process those heavy emotions.

At Couples to Cradles Counselling, we specialize in postpartum support. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or the mental load of motherhood, we’re here to help. With online counselling available across Canada and in-person sessions in Lethbridge and Camrose, support is just a click away.

5. Building Resilience: What Healing Looks Like

Here’s the reality: healing from PPD and postpartum rage doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly become the picture-perfect mom who never loses her cool. It means learning to manage the hard moments with more grace—for yourself.

Healing looks like saying “no” to the things you can’t take on. It’s asking your partner for help without feeling guilty. It’s sitting with your baby and realizing you don’t have to be perfect to be enough.

Building resilience is a process, not a quick fix. Therapy helps, yes, but so does leaning on your village—whether that’s a partner, a mom group, or a friend who gets it. And remember: seeking help isn’t weakness. It’s one of the bravest things you can do.

Final Thoughts

Postpartum depression and rage aren’t just parts of “being a mom.” They’re real, treatable conditions that you don’t have to face alone. Whether you’re six weeks postpartum, six months in, or navigating loss, help is available.

At Couples to Cradles Counselling, we’re here to guide you through the ups and downs of motherhood. With compassionate therapists who understand the complexities of postpartum mental health, we’ll help you feel more like you.

Ready to take the first step? We offer online therapy across Canada and in-person counselling in Lethbridge and Camrose. Book your free 20-minute consultation today and start your journey toward healing.

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