Breaking the Silence: My Experience with Postpartum Depression in the Workplace

I'm 11 months postpartum, and I've been living and working with postpartum depression [PPD] for months.

Back in May, the same month I was diagnosed with PPD after recognizing something wasn't right, I attended a SunLife webinar about supporting mental health in the workplace. As I listened to experts talk about creating safe spaces for employees to share their struggles, I had a moment of uncomfortable clarity: How can I expect others to be vulnerable about their mental health when I've been selectively sharing my own story?

While I opened up to my immediate boss and team within a month of my diagnosis, I've kept this struggle hidden from many colleagues and my volunteer leadership circles.

The reality of PPD in the workplace looks like:

• Being exhausted 24/7, no matter how much sleep I get

• Memory issues that make me question my professional competence

• Needing long naps immediately after work just to function

• Masking symptoms daily, which is utterly exhausting in itself

• Fighting to show up as the leader and colleague I want to be

For months, I convinced myself I was protecting my career by staying quiet. But masking takes enormous energy, energy I desperately needed to heal and do my job well.

Then I decided to be honest with my boss and team.

I was terrified they'd see me differently, question my capabilities, or treat me like I was fragile. Instead, something beautiful happened: it opened the door to more authentic conversations. My team's support has made the hardest days feel less isolating and reminded me that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Where I am now: I'm working with a therapist who specializes in pregnancy and postpartum mental health. I'm partnering closely with my primary care doctor to find the right medications. I'm intentionally returning to activities that help me reconnect with who I am: volunteer leadership, self-care routines, and time with friends. Some days I find pieces of my "old self," and others I'm learning to accept that my life is beautifully different now.

Here's what I want every leader, manager, and colleague to know:

• Someone on your team is likely struggling with something: postpartum depression, anxiety, grief, or countless other challenges

• Creating psychological safety isn't just HR speak; it's what allows people to bring their whole selves to work and actually perform better

• Your response to someone's vulnerability sets the tone for your entire team culture

My challenge to you: How are you creating space for authentic conversations? How are you modeling that it's okay to be human at work?

We can't expect others to break down stigmas if we're unwilling to be part of the change ourselves.

If you're struggling with postpartum depression or any mental health challenge: you're not alone, you're not broken, and you deserve support. Your workplace should be part of your support system, not another source of stress.

Let's normalize these conversations. Let's be the change.