Welcoming a child is an euphoric experience for families worldwide. However, post-childbirth challenges often go unnoticed especially in South Asian cultures when discussing mental health, which can be taboo.                                                                                              

The idealised mother image, embodied by unconditional and boundless devotion, or “maa ka pyaar” (mother’s love), places immense pressure on mothers to prioritise their baby's needs over their well-being. Often, this is done at the cost of their mental health.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

It is okay to not feel how you were taught, even if you are downright struggling.

This blog explores postpartum depression and the stigma surrounding it in many South Asian communities.

Understanding Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) also referred to as postnatal or peripartum depression, is a cluster of symptoms that develop during pregnancy or within the first weeks to months after childbirth (postpartum) and can affect not only the biological mothers but even adoptive parents, fathers and surrogates. 

The term "postpartum depression" serves as an umbrella term to describe a range of physical and psychological issues that arise following childbirth.

Baby blue vs Postpartum depression 

Being a new mother can bring uncertainties and doubts, often accompanied by hormonal mood swings referred to as “baby blues”. This is a common experience  (affecting 50%-75% of women) characterised by milder symptoms of mood changes, and sadness, that resolve within two weeks to a month.

In contrast, postpartum depression is far more serious and persistent. It is a type of perinatal depression marked by feelings of anxiety, profound sadness, disconnection from the child, obsessive care, intense fatigue, and often a struggle to motivate themselves to care for the baby or herself. 

This condition if left untreated can last for several months or longer.

Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression

Recognizing the warning signs of PPD is crucial for early intervention. If the following symptoms last for over 2 weeks to a month it may indicate PPD.

Recognize These Signs? Seek Help Now!

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seeking help is crucial and a step towards destigmatization for mothers everywhere.

For support and resources, visit Heart It Out.

Or,

Photo by  Pelayo Arbués Team  on  Unsplash

Causes and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression

The exact cause of Postpartum depression is still unknown, it can happen to any mother after having a baby, but the combination of biological, psychological, physical, and social factors and likely to contribute to the condition. 

For instance, individuals with a family history of depression may be at higher risk.

Furthermore, during pregnancy, there is a high level of hormones but the first 24 hours after giving birth, these hormones (estrogen and progesterone) quickly go back to their normal levels. This rapid drop in hormone levels may lead to PPD.

Other risk factors may include:

Nima’s Story: Breaking the Stigma of Postpartum Depression in South Asia

The diverse culture of South Asian mothers has been woven with a vibrant tapestry, each thread celebrates the unwavering strength and devotion of a mother. These threads in turn imprisons them to the stigma, silencing them and slowly chipping away a mother’s spirit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   It is a paradox as beautiful as the tapestry itself, reflected in Nima’s journey.

Despite being raised in a loving, close-knit Gujarati family and having a seemingly perfect life, 31-year-old Indian-origin California native, Nima died by suicide in July 2020 due to untreated postpartum depression.                                                                                      She became overly obsessive and paranoid about her baby’s care and struggled to see why she needed treatment when other mothers could manage all alone. This caused her to see herself as a failure to society and oneself.

“"Society: Don't blame anyone, don't blame my husband, my in-laws, or my family- they are not responsible for anything. I felt the way I felt because of myself... I lost the Nima I knew....Please let me go in peace." ”
- -From an unsent draft saved on her phone.

This caused a widespread movement within the South Asian communities with the hashtag: #breakthestigma4nima. You can find many stories on social media with countless women sharing their  PPD experiences. 

A Path to Recovery 

Coping with Postpartum depression can be a taxing and a lonely experience however the right method could help you find your joy once again. 

                   -  CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) - It helps identify and change negative thought patterns and provides practical     suggestions to manage the symptoms. 

                   -  Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)- This helps improve interpersonal relationships, especially for new mothers navigating changes in their relationships.

Photo by  Bethany Beck Team  on  Unsplash

Conclusion

Motherhood is not a one-size-fits-all experience and as much as we celebrate its joy, it is crucial to foster open communication and acknowledge the real struggles that come with this journey.                                                                                                                  

Postpartum depression is a severe mental health issue with significant consequences for the parents, the child, and the family, so let's take a step towards empowering mothers/parents to seek help, celebrate their strength, and provide the support they need to thrive and not just survive.