Postpartum Depression: Why the “Engine” Stops Producing Healthy Energy

When we speak of depression after childbirth, the method suggests we don’t stop at one explanation or one label. We look deeper — where does all this grow from, where are its “roots”? This is not a single tag called “depression” but a whole cluster, and it matters which picture we are actually facing.

First rule out the physical

The method’s first principle: before thinking about the psyche, rule out the body. If there are bodily complaints, see a doctor first, rule out physiology, and only then think about the mind. By the same logic, with anxious depression the doctor suggests checking whether something somatic is involved — the thyroid, for example — running tests, looking at homeostasis, sleep and nutrition.

“The very first thing is to do a self-screening, a self-diagnosis.”

The “engine” and healthy energy

The method’s central metaphor: there is an “engine” inside us that should produce healthy energy. When health returns, the engine puts out healthy energy, and an inner “Yes” appears — the person starts to act. It’s the same as with an animal: the only reason it isn’t happy, isn’t leaping or going about its business is a breakdown. The postpartum state can be read through this very question: what exactly is stopping the engine from producing healthy energy.

The anxious picture: everything goes into preparation

In anxious depression, a person seems to keep inventing, planning, preparing — and all the energy goes there. But when it’s time to actually do something, it barely begins: one little step, a second, and then it’s the same thing all over again. Action gets stuck while preparation keeps growing.

“All the energy goes there, and when it’s time to act — one step, a second, and it’s the same thing again.”

Once the cause is removed and the anxiety eases, the picture shifts: the preparation and endless plans drop to sixth or seventh place, and action takes first place.

Different “engines” give different pictures

The method stresses: it matters which depression we’re dealing with — anxious, endogenous, reactive (psychogenic), asthenia, burnout. They all belong to one cluster but require a different view of the cause. So it’s worth watching the rhythm of the state: how your behaviour moves, whether there are cycles (cyclothymia) — times of elevated, creative mood and times of collapse. Write it down, track your phases; it helps you see what is really happening.

When the cause-and-effect link is broken

The method also points to states with much movement but no result, because the cause-and-effect link is broken. The plans seem to add up, yet the actions never touch the goal — pulling in three directions at once. When that breakdown is removed, a clear, sharp vision appears: the person simply sees — this is interesting, and this needs doing.

Practice: understand your own cause

1. First rule out the physical — see a doctor to exclude physiology.
2. Check the basics: sleep, nutrition, recovery (especially if nights are broken and the rhythm is disturbed).
3. For a few weeks, log your phases: when energy is elevated and when it collapses; note any cycles.
4. Notice where the energy gets stuck — in endless preparation and plans, or in actions that lead nowhere.
5. Use these observations to ask a specialist a concrete question: which picture is this — rather than “just depression.”