How can such a joyous event like the birth of a baby plunge us into a deep depression that we cannot shake of? We do not know why this hits some people, but it is usually people who are very sensitive in their feelings and feel emotions very deeply. If the birth has been difficult then we are extremely vulnerable and need lots of encouragement and the help of our dear Lord Jesus. It is important to have help at the birth and someone who will talk to you about what has happened and will speak for you when you cannot speak yourself.
My experience of PND has been thorough and I have suffered twice with both my children so I really understand what the process is like. It is good to have insight for it helps you fight, not with other people but in your mind. The changeableness of the hormones and chemicals in the body can cause us to doubt ourselves and cause a dip down in our emotions. This is why we need other people to talk to and share with.
The thoughts can plummet into negativity and we can find ourselves thinking gloomy thoughts about what has happened and the possibilities in the future. The thoughts cycle downward and drag us into depression. It is hard to get a handle on them as they can cascade so fast. I found that God helped me by bringing to mind scriptures and hymns that I learned by heart and that these spiritual words helped me to divert my thinking to the truths of God and not believing my own thoughts. Just because you think something doesn’t make it true. We need the belt of truth around our waist so that we will interpret thoughts in the light of God’s word. It is crucial that we build our emotions on truth and not let them run riot around us. God has given us deep and precious promises that will never leave the Christian. I still use the armour of God today for I am prone to anxiety. I have to learned to carry on no matter what my feelings tell me and fight the anxieties with the truth of God.
Some unhelpful people asked me about loving my baby. I love my children so much it hurts and I felt so protective towards them. Even when admitted to hospital I looked after my baby. The baby has nothing to do with the depression – it is an illness and God will help you fight it. The scripture tells us to “fret not, it leads only to evil.” ( Psalm 37:8) Fretting hurts us and we must lay it aside and rest in the comfort in the love of our dear God. He has promised to never leave us no matter what our thoughts and feelings say to us.
There is a place for medication but the fight is in our mind because it is our mind that is oppressing us at the moment. Do not fear, for the arms of God are near and He is our refuge and shield. The enemy of our souls will take full advantage of the situation and try to oppress us. His fiery darts are extinguished by the insistence of faith and we send him packing with a word. The Lord will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. He will send the right people into your life to support you and show you love.
Do not be disheartened dear sufferer, for the Lord Jesus has been there already and ever stands in heaven’s mercy seat to intercede for us. He is there right now and is praying for you.
Just move through your day and build your confidence to do all things in His strength. Confidence is very important and we trust God as we face our tasks day-by-day and rejoice at the end of the day for all that we have accomplished. Do not let the enemy blame you or cause you to think you haven’t done enough – we are promised “strength for the day.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Blame is so debilitating and we must throw it out of our mind and remember that all our sin, shame and blame was taken away by the sacrifice on the cross. There is nothing left to pay and we are free from it no matter what your mind is telling you. If you can, learn some scriptures by heart, so that you can remember them at a moments notice. The hymns are easy to recite because they have a rhyme structure that stays in the mind.
The depression will eventually lift, but until then, just do your tasks and take the opportunities to rest. Do a little exercise as this releases helpful endorphins into the body and dispels the negativity. Do not fear for God is for you and will help you be an overcomer.
