Dusty Rose: Navigating The Fade

Dusty Rose is the color that feels like early motherhood for me—the overwhelm, burnout, and feeling invisible, like you’re just a shadow of who you used to be. It’s that phase where you’re not really thriving, you’re just surviving, pouring all your energy out for everyone else and forgetting about yourself.

Honestly, during that time, self-reflection wasn’t even possible. I was so caught up in getting through each minute, each hour, each day. I barely had space to ask myself simple questions like, When was the last time I did something just for me? or Am I even sneaking in a second of quiet? Those questions felt impossible, but they’re a good place to start if you’re in this dusty rose fog.

For me, Dusty Rose wasn’t just a feeling—it was tied to postpartum depression. Recognizing that and reaching out for help was huge. I was proactive with my mental health, thanks to conversations during pregnancy that helped me spot the signs early. Medication helped, but even then, recovery was slow. I pushed myself too hard at first, not giving myself enough time to rest. I was scared to ask for help and ended up doing everything alone, which only made things harder.

But slowly, as I started being intentional about self-care and letting others in, I moved from just surviving to actually thriving—even if only in tiny ways. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real, and that’s what mattered most.

Warning Signs and Seeking Professional Help

As moms, we’re on this wild journey of rediscovering ourselves, but mental health has to be part of the conversation too. Feeling overwhelmed or down now and then is normal, but if sadness, anxiety, or irritability stick around and start messing with your day-to-day, it might be time to get some extra support.

Here are a few red flags that helped me realize I needed to talk to a pro (like my OB, PCP, or therapist):

• Feeling sad or anxious for more than a couple of weeks, especially if it’s hard to function

• Losing interest in stuff you used to enjoy—even hanging out with family or friends

• Big changes in eating or sleeping habits

• Intrusive, scary, or upsetting thoughts you can’t shake

• Feeling disconnected from your baby or like you’re just going through the motions

• Struggling so much with daily tasks that everything feels overwhelming

Admitting you need help is one of the bravest things you can do. It doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you care enough about yourself and your family to get the support you deserve. Reach out, talk to someone you trust, and know you’re not alone. Taking this step is part of thriving, not just surviving.