Why Community Matters When You’re Dealing With Postpartum Depression

For many moms, the newborn phase is painted as a happy one, even if you’re not getting much sleep. There’s a lot to marvel at, from tiny toes to a first real laugh. But those first weeks can also feel isolating. You might find yourself nap-trapped under a Velcro baby or unsure about nursing in public. Isolation is a major risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD), while research shows that strong social support can be protective.

That’s where community comes in. It’s not just a helpful extra — it can be foundational. In fact, “community support is one of the most protective factors against postpartum depression,” says Dr. Niyati Dhand, M.D., a double board-certified perinatal and reproductive psychiatrist at Alaire Psychiatry in Chicago. “It helps prevent isolation and provides parents with reassurance, encouragement, and validation.” But not everyone has easy access to that kind of village. Here’s why it matters — and how to build it.

How Loneliness Impacts PPD

The baby blues are common after childbirth, thanks to hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the weight of new responsibility. The postpartum period can feel overwhelming, even if your baby eats and sleeps well. But PPD is more intense, and many of the signs providers look for involve withdrawal from daily life and a deepening sense of loneliness.

One red flag is pulling away from friends or family. It’s not just needing rest, but “isolation or distancing from loved ones,” says Dhand. That might look like ignoring calls or going weeks without seeing close friends. You might also feel detached from routines or activities that would otherwise ground you.

Other symptoms include losing interest in things that usually bring you joy. Letting self-care fall by the wayside can also signal something more serious, especially when it goes “beyond the typical demands of new parenthood,” says Dhand. “For example, skipping showers, teeth-brushing, or meals, not because of limited time, but due to low motivation or apathy.”

If you suspect you or a loved one may be experiencing PPD, support is available through Postpartum Support International, which offers a dedicated helpline and resources.

Why Community Counts So Much

Community offers tangible support. “Beyond emotional support, practical help such as assisting with childcare, meals, feeding, and laundry can be life-changing,” says Dhand. That help can give parents meaningful stretches of physical and mental rest — both essential for recovery.

Peer support can be especially powerful. Even if they aren’t experiencing PPD themselves, “they can still be empathetic and understanding,” says Adrienne Griffen, the executive director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance.

But there’s another layer of support that can come with talking to someone who has experienced PPD firsthand. “Every mom who goes through this thinks that they are the only one,” Griffen says. “When you hear somebody else say that they’re having those same feelings, it’s extremely validating and normalizing.”

That shared understanding can also ease the pressure of trying to be a “perfect” mom. “Being around other women who are also struggling can feel like a relief,” says Dr. Marcie Weiner, Psy.D., a senior perinatal psychologist and clinical director at the Postpartum Stress Center in Philadelphia. “Motherhood is a huge adjustment.”

How To Build Your Community

Finding a community can feel daunting, which is why planning ahead helps. Before giving birth, find a few consistent anchors. “Individuals you feel emotionally safe turning to during moments of stress,” says Dhand. Your support system doesn’t have to be large — just reliable.

Dhand also recommends identifying professional support in advance, such as a lactation consultant, perinatal therapist, reproductive psychiatrist, pelvic-floor therapist, postpartum doula, or primary care physician. You may not need all of them, but having names and numbers ready can make it easier to reach out if you’re already overwhelmed.

That said, try to avoid relying on social media as your primary source of connection. “People look like they’re managing so perfectly, and all you see is all these ways that you’re failing,” says Weiner. Instead, she encourages moms to seek in-person connection. “Gravitate to places where there are other moms. Being around other moms who are doing what you’re doing is such a better option than sitting there scrolling on social media.”

Getting out the door can feel impossible — especially if you’re struggling with PPD — but even small steps toward connection can make a meaningful difference.

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