303. The Mess of Postpartum Depression (w/ Shelbi Cullen)
Nov 1, 2022
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Shelbi Cullen, expert in counseling women suffering from postpartum depression, discusses the challenges and impact of postpartum depression, navigating it through scripture, counseling approaches, the role of questions in ministering, and the importance of preparation and flexibility in counseling sessions.
Postpartum depression is a distinct form of sadness that affects one out of eight women and is characterized by feelings of despair and interference with daily life.
Postpartum depression has both physiological and spiritual components, often associated with hormonal changes and lack of sleep, and can lead to overwhelming feelings, confusion, and fear.
When counseling women with postpartum depression, it is crucial to build a connection, ask specific and probing questions, and approach the counseling session with flexibility and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Postpartum depression reveals heart issues such as expectations, self-imposed standards, pride, fear of man, and low views of God's character, requiring biblical counselors to redirect focus towards a higher view of God and encourage humility, trust, and reliance on Him.
Deep dives
Understanding Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a distinct form of sadness that affects one out of eight women. It is different from the baby blues, lasting longer and interfering with daily life. It is isolated to women and is characterized by feelings of despair that can be similar to depression. Postpartum depression has both physiological and spiritual components, often associated with hormonal changes and lack of sleep. Women may feel overwhelmed, confused, and fearful, and may struggle with shame and embarrassment within the church. Support from partners, family, and the church community is crucial in addressing postpartum depression.
Understanding the Unique Struggle of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a common struggle faced by many women, but each person's experience is unique. It can be a form of suffering, as it shocks women and causes confusion, fear, and feelings of helplessness. Cultural pressures within and outside the church can contribute to shame and embarrassment surrounding postpartum depression. Physiological factors like hormonal changes and lack of sleep play a significant role. It is important to avoid assumptions and provide a supportive and compassionate environment for women to share their struggles.
Counseling Approach for Postpartum Depression
When counseling women with postpartum depression, it is crucial to build a connection and demonstrate care and empathy. Asking specific and probing questions about the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of their experience can help understand the unique struggles they face. Preparation for counseling sessions, including studying intake forms and developing an agenda, is important. The counselor should approach the counseling session with flexibility, relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance. The goal is to minister to the woman by listening, asking questions, and inviting her to explore the Word of God to understand her struggles and find hope and healing.
The Pressure of Motherhood and Cultural Expectations
Many young Christian mothers feel overwhelmed by the pressure to meet cultural expectations of motherhood. The prevalence of social media platforms and the constant exposure to different ideas and standards exacerbates this pressure. Organic feeding, perfect structures, and a host of other self-imposed expectations contribute to the stress. Often, these mothers look to the culture rather than Scripture, perpetuating a culture-driven framework for motherhood.
Addressing Postpartum Depression with Biblical Counseling and the Gospel
Postpartum depression is not unique and is a struggle shared by many women. Providing hope and support through biblical counseling is crucial. Counselors can begin by reminding the struggling women that the promises in God's Word are relevant and speak to their deepest needs. Scripture provides comfort and encouragement, assuring them that the trial is temporary and that God will provide the strength to endure. Additionally, the Gospel offers hope and redemption, emphasizing that peace and rest can be found in Christ, regardless of the struggles they face.
Understanding the Heart Contributions to Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression reveals certain heart issues that may contribute to the experience. Expectations and self-imposed standards play a significant role, often driven by desires for control and perfectionism. Pride, fear of man, and low views of God's character can also contribute. As biblical counselors, it is crucial to help women discern these heart issues and redirect their focus towards a higher view of God, encouraging humility, trust, and reliance on Him.
Practical Ways to Support Those Struggling with Postpartum Depression
Besides offering biblical counseling, there are practical ways to support women experiencing postpartum depression. Providing respite by babysitting or arranging for others to help with household chores can alleviate the burden. Organizing a meal train or enlisting caring partners from the church community can also be immensely helpful. Engaging both the struggling woman and her husband in counseling and connecting them with resources within the church are additional ways to provide support.
Recommended Resources for Postpartum Depression
While resources specifically addressing postpartum depression from a biblical perspective may be scarce, there are a few noteworthy ones. Listening to the podcast episode 'When Postpartum Depression Sends Us into a Spiral' can provide valuable insights and testimonies. Dr. Dan Wickert's lecture on postpartum depression and the booklet 'Postpartum Depression: Stopping the Spiral with His All-Sufficient Word' are also recommended resources for both strugglers and counselors. Expanding this resource base in the Christian community is ongoing, and efforts are being made to create more supportive materials for women experiencing postpartum depression.
In this episode of The Messy Podcast, Scott Mehl interviews Shelbi Cullen on how to counsel women suffering from postpartum depression.
Sponsored by Eternity Bible College: https://www.eternity.edu
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