The TRUTH About Postpartum Anxiety & Depression (And How to Heal Naturally)

Have you ever been told, “It’s just your hormones,” or “There’s nothing you can do except take medication”?

I’m here to tell you that couldn’t be further from the truth. Just this week, I had a mom stop her heart palpitations with just two cups of stinging nettle tea. That’s the power of herbal medicine and addressing the root cause of your symptoms instead of just masking them.

In a moment, we’ll dive into the number one reason so many women struggle with postpartum anxiety and depression. But first, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and want a step-by-step plan to heal naturally even while breastfeeding, you can grab my free Postpartum Recovery Roadmap below. Or if you’re ready for deeper support, book a free call with me so we can create a plan tailored to you.

Why Do So Many Women Struggle After Childbirth?

After over a decade of working with moms, I’ve seen a clear pattern. The root cause? Methylation dysfunction.

What is Methylation?

Methylation is one of the most essential biochemical processes in your body. It’s responsible for:

• Processing nutrients and activating B vitamins (Dr. Ben Lynch, Dirty Genes)

• Supporting detoxification in the liver

• Regulating mood and neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine)

When methylation isn’t working properly due to nutrient deficiencies, genetic mutations (like MTHFR), and environmental toxins, you’re at higher risk for:

• Postpartum anxiety and depression

• Brain fog and extreme fatigue

• Infertility, miscarriages, and hormone imbalances

• High inflammation levels

A 2019 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that low folate and B12 levels are directly linked to depression (Bottiglieri et al.). Most of my clients test positive for the MTHFR gene mutation, which affects how your body processes B vitamins, a key factor in postpartum mood disorders (Dr. Ben Lynch, Dirty Genes).

How Do You Know if You Have This Gene?

Here are 4 common signs of methylation dysfunction:

1. Lifelong anxiety or depression

2. History of miscarriage or infertility

3. Low B12, folate, or chronic fatigue

4. High homocysteine levels (linked to inflammation and heart disease)

What Can You Do to Support Methylation and Heal Naturally?

1. Clean Up Your Diet.
   Processed foods, gluten, dairy, and sugar can trigger inflammation and heart palpitations (Gary Brecka, 10X Health). Instead, focus on organic, whole foods rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants.

2. Take the Right Supplements.

• Methylated B-complex (especially B12 and folate, avoid folic acid!)

• Magnesium glycinate (supports relaxation and nervous system health)

• Vitamin D3 + K2 (for immune and mood support)

• Omega-3s (reduce inflammation and support brain function)

Research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that B vitamin deficiencies are directly linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression (Coppen & Bolander-Gouaille, 2005).

1. Reassess Your Medications.
   If medications never worked well for you or if you naturally prefer herbal remedies, it’s likely because MTHFR mutations impact how your liver processes medications (Dr. Ben Lynch, Dirty Genes). Herbs like Ashwagandha, Lemon Balm, and Stinging Nettle can support adrenal health, nervous system function, and methylation.

2. Reduce Caffeine and Eliminate Alcohol.
   Both increase anxiety, heart palpitations, and nervous system dysregulation (Gary Brecka, 10X Health). Alcohol, in particular, depletes B vitamins, worsening methylation issues.

3. Clean Up Your Environment.
   Mold, heavy metals, and environmental toxins disrupt methylation and can cause anxiety, inflammation, and weight gain (Dr. Ben Lynch). I’ve seen it firsthand when my late husband and I unknowingly lived in a moldy home; we both gained weight, struggled with anxiety, and felt exhausted all the time. If you suspect mold or toxin exposure, consider testing for heavy metals, checking for mold in your home, and switching to non-toxic personal care products.

Conculsion

And by getting to the root cause of your symptoms, you’re not just healing yourself, you’re breaking the cycle for your children and future generations. You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here to support you every step of the way.

xo

Tara

Resources:

1. Bottiglieri, T. (2019). Folate, Vitamin B12, and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Journal of Affective Disorders.

2. Coppen, A., & Bolander-Gouaille, C. (2005). Treatment of depression: time to consider folic acid and vitamin B12. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

3. Lynch, B. (2018). Dirty Genes: A Breakthrough Program to Treat the Root Cause of Illness and Optimize Your Health. HarperOne.

4. Brecka, G. (2023). 10X Health: The Science of Longevity and Performance.