5 Myths About PPD That Stop Moms From Getting The Help They Need

Bringing home a newborn can be equal parts awe-inspiring and overwhelming. One moment, you’re soaking in the weight of them on your chest; the next, you’re navigating sleepless nights and the enormous responsibility of caring for a brand-new human who depends on you for everything. Even under the best circumstances, the postpartum period is a profound adjustment.

Because exhaustion, emotional swings, and moments of self-doubt are so common in those early weeks, it can be difficult to recognize when something more serious — like postpartum depression (PPD) — may be at play. Many moms expect to feel tired or stretched thin, and may not realize when their feelings go beyond the typical challenges of new parenthood.

Misunderstandings about PPD can add another layer of confusion. But knowing the facts isn’t just empowering; it can help moms seek support sooner and feel less alone in the process.

Here are five common myths — and the truths that can help you or someone you love navigate this season with clarity and confidence.

Myth #1: PPD Is Rare

If a mom believes that PPD is rare, she may assume she doesn’t have it. PPD affects 1 in 8 women in the U.S., yet nearly half are never diagnosed by a health professional. That lack of diagnosis can reinforce the false belief that PPD is uncommon, and, even when she is struggling, make it easier to dismiss symptoms.

Myth #2: PPD Only Happens Right After Birth

In movies and TV shows, PPD is often portrayed as happening in the immediate aftermath of birth — either in the hospital or within the first few weeks at home. In reality, the postpartum period is typically defined as lasting up to six months, though emotional and physical recovery can extend beyond that, and the timeline varies for everyone.

With that in mind, PPD can begin immediately after birth or emerge months later. According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, founder and director of Comprehend the Mind, a parent may seem to be doing well at first, only to develop symptoms several months postpartum. There is no set timeline for PPD, and just because a mother seems fine initially does not mean she’s immune.

Myth #3: A Mom With PPD Doesn’t Love Her Child

As a new mom (or any parent), it can be terrifying to imagine that someone might question your love for your child. That fear alone is a major barrier for women to acknowledge their symptoms or seek support.

To be clear: PPD does not mean that a mother does not love her child. “The idea of not loving your kid is simply not true,” says Hafeez. “Your hormones are running the show. You have such little say.”

Myth #4: Moms With PPD Want To Harm Their Babies

This is an area where there’s often confusion about what PPD actually involves.

“Postpartum depression does not come with a desire to hurt yourself or your baby,” says Hafeez. Some moms may experience intrusive thoughts, but those thoughts are typically unwanted and distressing — not reflective of their true feelings or intentions.

A separate and rare condition, postpartum psychosis, carries different symptoms and risks. It affects approximately 0.089 to 2.6 people per 1,000 births.

Most importantly: PPD is common, treatable, and does not define a mother’s love or her ability to care for her child.

Myth #5: There’s No Stigma Around PPD Anymore

In 2026, postpartum depression isn’t always whispered about behind closed doors. Many women share their experiences openly on social media, and celebrities have spoken candidly about their struggles. With so much conversation, it can seem as though the stigma has disappeared.

But Hafeez says that’s far from the full picture. “There are certain cultures that look down on a mom ‘making it about herself,’” she says. And she doesn’t just mean defined cultural groups. “I see people who say, ‘nope, we don’t go to shrinks in our family.’”

When it’s assumed that every mom who’s struggling will feel comfortable talking about it, a large subset of people can fall through the cracks. Not every mom feels able to admit to her loved ones, her doctors, or even to herself that she may be struggling with PPD. That’s why postpartum mental health can’t depend solely on moms raising their hands. Providers should proactively screen and revisit the conversation over time, recognizing that symptoms may not appear immediately. Consistent check-ins help normalize these discussions and make it easier for moms to accept support when they need it.

If you think you or someone you know might be experiencing PPD, reach out to a doctor or mental health professional. While it can feel isolating, know that you don’t have to go through it alone.

Presented by BDG Studios