A Mental Health Discussion: Revisiting Postpartum Depression and Holistic Healing
Mental health is complex, deeply personal, and often misunderstood. Few topics highlight this more clearly than postpartum depression, a condition that has long been debated, politicized, and oversimplified. Public conversations surrounding mental health can quickly become polarized—especially when they involve medication, psychiatry, and alternative approaches to healing.
This article revisits postpartum depression through a balanced mental health discussion, exploring both conventional perspectives and holistic considerations. Rather than taking an all-or-nothing stance, the goal is to examine what contributes to postpartum mental health challenges and why informed, compassionate dialogue matters—especially for women navigating an already vulnerable season of life.
The Conversation That Sparked a Broader Debate
In 2005, a televised interview between actor Tom Cruise and journalist Matt Lauer ignited widespread controversy. Cruise openly criticized psychiatry and the use of antidepressants, particularly in relation to postpartum depression. His remarks were quickly dismissed by many as reckless or uninformed, and the discussion was framed as an attack on mental health care.
While the delivery and tone of that conversation left much to be desired, the reaction to it exposed a deeper issue: mental health discussions are often reduced to extremes. Either medication is portrayed as the only responsible option, or alternative approaches are dismissed as dangerous or unscientific. In reality, mental health care exists on a spectrum, and meaningful progress happens when nuance is allowed.
You can watch the entire interview between Matt Lauer and Tom Cruise here.
Postpartum Depression Defined
Postpartum Depression is defined as, “depression suffered by a mother following childbirth, typically arising from the combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood, and fatigue.“
In early 700 B.C, Hippocrates, a Greek philosopher, noted women would experience emotional difficulties after childbirth. He called it “puerperal fever” and listed symptoms of agitation, delirium and mania.
In the 1800s, Jean-Étienne Esquirol, a French psychiatrist, was one of the first physicians to provide detailed case reports of postpartum psychiatric illnesses; a total of 92 cases that involved delirium and melancholy.
In 1994, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) officially recognized postpartum depression as a distinct condition.
While hormonal shifts are frequently cited, the condition is far more complex than a single chemical imbalance.
Contributing factors may include:
- Sudden hormonal fluctuations
- Sleep deprivation
- Nutrient depletion
- Chronic stress
- Previous trauma
- Lack of social support
But is there a more holistic, more natural way of combating these symptoms? And when women are usually prescribed certain pharmaceutical drugs are they really the “cure-all” or doing more harm than good.
Postpartum And Big Pharma
If we look at postpartum depression and its symptoms, how is it treated in the medical field? Did Tom Cruise have a point?
Here is a list of common pharmaceuticals used to treat PPD:
SSRI
an antidepressant drug that inhibits the reabsorption of serotonin by neurons, increasing the availability of serotonin as a neurotransmitter; common brand names include Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft; side effects include gastro issues, sleep disturbances, weight changes and sexual dysfunction.
SNRI
an antidepressant drug that increases serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain; common brand names include Cymbalta, Effexor, and Savella; side effects include gastro issues, dry mouth, dizziness and sexual dysfunction.
Atypical Antipsychotics
affect the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain specifically dopamine and serotonin and are used to treat schizophrenia, bi-polar disorders and depression; common brand names include Clozapine, Quetiapine and Risperidone; common side effects include weight gain, metabolic issues, sleep disturbances, dry mouth, and movement disorders
Mood Stabilizers
psychiatric drugs that affect neurotransmitter activity in the brain (particularly GABA) which can help regulate mood swings; common brand names include Valproic, Lamictal and Risperdal; common side effects include fatigue, weight gain, digestive issues and sleep disorders
Brexanolone
a neuroactive steroid that modulates GABA-A receptors in the brain; its brand name is Zulresso; common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, mood swings and headache
Zuranolone
a neuroactive steroid that enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA in the brain; its brand name is also Zulresso; common side effects include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, anxiety and muscle twitching
Postpartum And A Natural Approach
In the interview with Matt Lauer, Tom Cruise mentioned that in place of drugs we should assess the use of vitamins. I 100% agree and our bodies cannot function properly if our vitamins and minerals are depleted. It is the same as a car; a car can not run without gasoline. The same is with our bodies.
To approach PPD in a more holistic way I recommend the following:
- exercise regularly
- eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats
- get plenty of sleep; don’t be ashamed to ask for help with the baby(ies) so you can get sleep
- make time for activities you enjoy; it is important to take time for yourself
- participate in Bright Light Therapy
- take supplements such as Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, magnesium, St. John’s Wort and Vitamin B2
- take herbs like saffron and turmeric
WomensMentalHealth.org published an article showing the correlation between Vitamin D, inflammation and PPD:
“To better understand the relationship between vitamin D levels, inflammation, and postpartum depression, a recent prospective study tested whether levels of vitamin D and inflammatory cytokines predict postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms in pregnant African American women. The researchers found an inverse correlation between vitamin D levels and PPD symptoms, an effect which was moderated by levels of interleukin-6 and IL-6/IL-10. Among women with higher levels of inflammatory markers, lower prenatal vitamin D levels were associated with significantly higher PPD symptoms. These preliminary results are intriguing. If we assume that vitamin D modulates the inflammatory response, one could hypothesize that increasing vitamin D levels in pregnant women with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines may either prevent or reduce PPD symptoms.“
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study showing low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with developing this type of depression.
The Journal of Affective Disorders published a study showing vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may decrease your risk of getting PPD.
All of these are great options especially if you want to take a more natural, holistic approach.
A Thoughtful Way Forward
Postpartum depression—and mental health as a whole—deserves thoughtful, nuanced discussion. Oversimplified explanations and rigid solutions fail to reflect the complexity of the human experience. Whether someone chooses medication, holistic support, or a combination of approaches, the most important element is that they feel informed, supported, and respected.
At Light & Leaf, the belief is simple: healing should never come with shame. Supporting mental health means looking beyond symptoms, honoring individual experiences, and addressing the physical, emotional, and environmental factors that influence well-being. When we allow space for balanced mental health discussions, we create room for clarity, compassion, and true healing.
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