A Window into Postpartum Depression

Postpartum (or perinatal) depression is a beast that no parent wants to encounter.

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Yet it creeps into the lives of 1 in 5 new mums and up to 1 in 10 new dads. For those who’ve never faced mental health challenges before, it can be particularly distressing. Suddenly, your physical and emotional selves start unraveling at two very different paces. The turbulence is exhausting, scary, and deeply uncomfortable.

If you’re feeling unlike yourself—unable to think rationally, inexplicably upset, or disconnected from your surroundings (or even your child) – the first and most important step is to reach out. Speak to a loved one or call your GP. You are not alone. A village of support surrounds you.

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

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Postpartum depression can stem from various factors, including:

1. A neurochemical imbalance – Hormonal shifts during and after pregnancy can have significant impacts on brain chemistry.
2. Environmental triggers – These might include past traumas, grief, unhealthy relationships, financial stress, or even burnout.

Whatever the cause, depression during pregnancy or the postpartum period is a deeply challenging experience. For parents, this can feel especially grim as the responsibility of caring for a vulnerable newborn becomes an uphill battle. Forget about getting out of bed or feeding yourself—keeping your little one alive and well can feel insurmountable.

But parenthood should not be endured with angst.

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Seeking Help: A Conversation with Stephanie Slater

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One person who understands postpartum depression all too well is Stephanie Slater, a mother of two and co-founder of Asklé, a personalised supplement platform tailored to women’s health. I had the privilege of sitting down with Stephanie to learn about her own experience with PND and her journey to recovery.

Before diving in, if any of this sounds familiar to you, please visit PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) for more information. The platform can help you understand what you’re experiencing and connect you with the right support. You can also speak to your GP or reach out to a loved one. Remember, your child’s wellbeing depends on your health – and your health matters.

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Recognising the Signs of Postpartum Depression

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Stephanie, thank you for sharing your story with us. To begin, what were the first signs you noticed that suggested you were teetering on the edge of PND? How old were your children at the time?

Stephanie: To be honest, I wasn’t aware I was struggling with PND initially. I knew something didn’t feel right, though. I cried. A lot. Not just a few tears but full-on sobbing, often when I was alone. It felt like I couldn’t catch my breath. I was officially diagnosed when my son was 2.5 years old, and my daughter was six months. But looking back, I think it started months earlier. It took my mother-in-law lovingly checking in with me for me to truly realise something was wrong.

Seeking Professional Support

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When you spoke with your GP, what was their initial recommendation?

Stephanie: It was a very quick consult, and not with my usual doctor but the only GP I could get in with. I completed the Edinburgh PND scale, which ranks symptoms from the past seven days. My week had been awful, so naturally, my score was high. The GP wrote me a prescription for antidepressants. That was it.

Did you take their advice?

Stephanie: No, I didn’t. I was shocked that the first course of action was medication. While I believe there’s a time and place for antidepressants, I didn’t feel they were right for me at that point. I wanted to explore other options first, but no referrals or investigations (like blood tests) were suggested. I felt like the approach was a quick fix rather than addressing me as a whole person.

Stephanie’s next steps:

• I saw my regular GP and requested a Mental Health Care Plan and referrals to a psychologist specialising in women’s health.
• I researched supplements to support my mind and body.
• I began opening up to friends and family about what I was going through.
• My husband and I also started Asklé, inspired by my experience of wanting personalised, evidence-based health support.

Nutrition & Movement in Recovery

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How did nutrition and movement factor into your recovery?

Stephanie: They played a significant role, but they can feel overwhelming when you’re already in a low state. The thought of making a salad or going for a run was daunting when I was just trying to breathe and get through the day.

Nutritional medicine, however, was transformative for me. Supplements using natural, bioavailable ingredients changed my biochemistry. Finding the right supplements gave me the boost I needed and inspired my work with Asklé. Women deserve personalised, empowering healthcare tailored to their unique needs.

Moments of Light in Dark Days

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During your darkest days, when rational thought felt impossible, what offered you reprieve?

Stephanie: Honestly, there wasn’t much reprieve in the beginning. I struggled to articulate my feelings to friends and family. My kids were my light – they gave me a reason to keep going. I’m also incredibly grateful for my loving husband, although he was often away for work, which added to the difficulty. Knowing I could call him at any time for support was a huge comfort.

Preparing for Baby Number Three

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Congratulations on your third pregnancy! Have you implemented preventative measures to avoid another PND episode?

Stephanie: Thank you! It’s definitely a wild ride. I’m anxious about the postpartum period, but I’m taking proactive steps:

I use Asklé to take personalised supplements that are adjusted every three months to meet my needs. Before the birth, my formulation will include vitamins and herbs to support my mood, nervous system, and recovery.

I’ve worked with a women’s health physio to prepare for post-caesarean recovery and exercise reintroduction.

My husband and I have had honest conversations about his role after the baby arrives. Having his support and shared experience of PND makes a world of difference.

Staying Positive

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How do you keep a positive mindset despite the anxiety?

Stephanie: I’ve embraced the mantra “surrender.” Life is unpredictable, and I’m learning to lean into its twists and turns as gifts rather than challenges. My experiences with miscarriages and PND have brought me to where I am today, running a women’s healthcare company. Practising gratitude helps me remember how blessed I am. Everything is a choice, and I’m choosing happiness – or at least trying to!

Advice for Other Mothers

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What would you like other mothers and mothers-to-be to know?

Stephanie: You don’t have to do this alone. Motherhood has become so masculinised, with unrealistic expectations that we do it all: crafts, home-cooked meals, exercise, work. It’s impossible.

Reach out to your village. Your partners, parents, friends, neighbours etc, and ask for support. Have these conversations before the baby arrives. We prepare so much for birth but often forget the postpartum period.

Lastly, trust your intuition. With so much information at our fingertips, it’s easy to second-guess ourselves. But your body knows what it’s doing. Listen to it… it’s almost always right.

For support reach out to https://panda.org.au/