09. Can’t Snap Out of Postpartum Depression? How to Hold Onto Hope When It Feels Heavy

09. Can’t Snap Out of Postpartum Depression? How to Hold Onto Hope When It Feels Heavy

Hi Mama, * What if you can’t snap out of postpartum depression—no matter how hard you try? * Are you expecting yourself to feel better by now and wondering why you still feel stuck, heavy, or overwhelmed? * And what if hope isn’t something you have to create—but something you can borrow when you can’t find it yourself? In this episode, we’re talking about what it really looks like to walk through postpartum depression when it feels heavy, exhausting, and unchanging. I share part of my own journey of waking up every day determined to “feel better,” only to end each day feeling defeated and wondering why I couldn’t just fix what I was feeling. We unpack why postpartum depression is not something you can simply push through with willpower and how shifting from “I need to fix this” to “I just need to get through today” can begin to lift some of the pressure you’re carrying. We also talk about borrowing hope from others when your own hope feels out of reach, noticing small evidence that this season is not permanent, and staying gently connected to something bigger than your current pain. If today feels too hard, this episode will remind you that healing does not require perfection—and that even in the middle of the heaviness, there is still hope. You’ve got this Mama! Love, Stephanie   Connect with Me: Contact: hello@stephaniehathaway.net Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcoming-postpartum-depression-support-hope-advice/id1895173886 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcoming-postpartum-depression-support-hope-advice/id1895173886]   Next Steps: Join a supportive community of new moms just like you who are looking for community, hope, validation and practical support at my free Facebook group: bit.ly/PPDsupportgroup [http://bit.ly/PPDsupportgroup] Also, become an insider and get weekly emails from me with the latest episodes and even more support! Sign up here: bit.ly/PPDlist [http://bit.ly/PPDlist]   This podcast is based on my personal experience and research and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. I am not a doctor or licensed therapist—please consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. If today’s episode is triggering for you and you feel like you need additional help to process your thoughts or feelings, please reach out for support. You can call or text Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4773. You can also find more resources by visiting their website: postpartum.net You don’t have to walk through this alone. If you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, please call 9-1-1 immediately!

08. 4 Secrets to Getting Through the Newborn Stage When You Feel Alone and Need Support

Hi Mama, * What if the reason you feel so alone in the newborn stage isn’t because no one cares—but because you’re trying to carry too much by yourself? * Are you expecting your life to look “normal” right now, even though everything has changed? * And what would shift if you stopped waiting for support to be perfect before allowing yourself to receive it? In this episode, we’re talking about four simple but powerful secrets to surviving the newborn stage when you feel overwhelmed, isolated, and like you don’t have enough help. I share a personal realization from my own postpartum journey—that I wasn’t as alone as I felt, but I also wasn’t fully letting people in. We walk through practical ways to shrink your world, create meaningful connections through small daily touchpoints, lower unrealistic expectations, and finally accept imperfect support without guilt or pressure. If you’ve been feeling emotionally exhausted, stretched too thin, or like everything depends on you, this episode will remind you that you were never meant to do motherhood alone—and that support does not have to be perfect to make a difference. You’ve got this Mama! Love, Stephanie   Connect with Me: Contact: hello@stephaniehathaway.net Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcoming-postpartum-depression-support-hope-advice/id1895173886 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcoming-postpartum-depression-support-hope-advice/id1895173886]   Next Steps: Join a supportive community of new moms just like you who are looking for community, hope, validation and practical support at my free Facebook group: bit.ly/PPDsupportgroup [http://bit.ly/PPDsupportgroup] Also, become an insider and get weekly emails from me with the latest episodes and even more support! Sign up here: bit.ly/PPDlist [http://bit.ly/PPDlist]   This podcast is based on my personal experience and research and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. I am not a doctor or licensed therapist—please consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. If today’s episode is triggering for you and you feel like you need additional help to process your thoughts or feelings, please reach out for support. You can call or text Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4773. You can also find more resources by visiting their website: postpartum.net You don’t have to walk through this alone. If you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, please call 9-1-1 immediately!

07. Why Postpartum Depression Feels So Lonely and the Support You Actually Need

Hi Mama, * Why does postpartum depression feel so lonely—even when people are around you? * Have you ever felt misunderstood, emotionally isolated, or like you have to hide how hard things really are during the newborn stage? *  Do you find yourself wondering if anyone would truly understand if you were honest about how you’re really doing? In this episode, we’re talking about why postpartum depression can feel so deeply isolating and the hidden reasons so many moms struggle in silence. I share part of my own story of looking “fine” on the outside while feeling overwhelmed and alone internally, along with four common reasons PPD creates loneliness—even when you’re surrounded by people. We also walk through the specific types of support that actually help you heal, including emotional support, practical help, professional guidance, and consistent ongoing care. If you’ve been feeling unseen, disconnected, or emotionally exhausted, this episode will remind you that you were never meant to carry this alone—and that hope and healing are possible. You’ve got this Mama! Love, Stephanie   Connect with Me: Contact: hello@stephaniehathaway.net Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcoming-postpartum-depression-support-hope-advice/id1895173886 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcoming-postpartum-depression-support-hope-advice/id1895173886]   Next Steps: Join a supportive community of new moms just like you who are looking for community, hope, validation and practical support at my free Facebook group: bit.ly/PPDsupportgroup [http://bit.ly/PPDsupportgroup] Also, become an insider and get weekly emails from me with the latest episodes and even more support! Sign up here: bit.ly/PPDlist [http://bit.ly/PPDlist] This podcast is based on my personal experience and research and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. I am not a doctor or licensed therapist—please consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. If today’s episode is triggering for you and you feel like you need additional help to process your thoughts or feelings, please reach out for support. You can call or text Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4773. You can also find more resources by visiting their website: postpartum.net You don’t have to walk through this alone. If you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, please call 9-1-1 immediately!

06. This Is How to Hold On to Hope in the Newborn Stage (Even If You’re Struggling with PPD)

Hi Mama, - What do you do when even hope feels too heavy to hold? - Have you ever felt like the day is just too much to carry—and you don’t know how to keep going? - What if you didn’t have to get through the whole day… just the next moment? In this episode, I share a powerful shift that changed how I understood postpartum depression—and how easily our thoughts can feel true even when they aren’t. We talk about how to hold onto hope in the smallest, simplest ways when you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure how to move forward. I’ll walk you through practical, grounding steps to help you focus on the next moment, anchor yourself in truth, lean on others when you can’t carry hope alone, and begin noticing small signs that things are not stuck forever. If you’re in the newborn stage and struggling to keep going, this episode will remind you that you are not alone—and that hope is still here, even if it feels small. You’ve got this Mama! Love, Stephanie Connect with Me: Contact: hello@stephaniehathaway.net Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcoming-postpartum-depression-support-hope-advice/id1895173886 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcoming-postpartum-depression-support-hope-advice/id1895173886] Next Steps: Join a supportive community of new moms just like you who are looking for community, hope, validation and practical support at my free Facebook group: bit.ly/PPDsupportgroup [http://bit.ly/PPDsupportgroup] ***This podcast is based on my personal experience and research and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. I am not a doctor or licensed therapist—please consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.*** If today’s episode is triggering for you and you feel like you need additional help to process your thoughts or feelings, please reach out for support. You can call or text Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4773. You can also find more resources by visiting their website: postpartum.net [http://postpartum.net] You don’t have to walk through this alone. If you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, please call 9-1-1 immediately!

05. 4 Simple Ways to Feel More Supported When You're Struggling with Postpartum Depression

Hi Mama, * Have you ever asked for help as a new mom… and still felt completely unsupported or misunderstood? * Do you find yourself saying “I’m fine” when deep down you feel like you’re barely holding it together? * Have well-meaning comments from others ever made your postpartum struggle feel even heavier? In this episode, I share a deeply personal story of feeling unseen and unsupported during one of my most vulnerable postpartum moments—and how even well-meaning help can sometimes hurt. From that experience, I walk you through four simple, practical ways to start building the support you actually need while navigating postpartum depression. If you’ve been feeling alone, overwhelmed, or unsure how to ask for help, this episode will give you both the validation and the tools to take your first step toward real support and hope. You’ve got this Mama! Love, Stephanie ______________ Connect with Me: Contact: hello@stephaniehathaway.net [hello@stephaniehathaway.net] Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcoming-postpartum-depression-support-hope-advice/id1895173886 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcoming-postpartum-depression-support-hope-advice/id1895173886] Next Steps: Join a supportive community of new moms just like you who are looking for community, hope, validation and practical support at my free Facebook group: bit.ly/PPDsupportgroup [http://bit.ly/PPDsupportgroup] _______________ ***This podcast is based on my personal experience and research and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. I am not a doctor or licensed therapist—please consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.*** If today’s episode is triggering for you and you feel like you need additional help to process your thoughts or feelings, please reach out for support. You can call or text Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4773. You can also find more resources by visiting their website: postpartum.net [http://postpartum.net] You don’t have to walk through this alone.   If you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, please call 9-1-1 immediately!