““There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” – Jill Churchill”
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Julie is the mother of a newborn and gave birth a week ago. She had been awaiting the birth of the child for a long time, as she had issues with infertility. According to societal standards, she should be overjoyed but she has been having trouble connecting with her child, and blames herself for it. Her mental health has deteriorated, and she doesn't even feel like getting out of bed to breastfeed her child. All these resulted in her feeling like she is a bad mother. When she visited the therapist with her partner, she was diagnosed with postpartum depression which is a prevalent mental illness among new mothers.

What is Postpartum Depression?

After giving birth, a woman may have mild to severe depression, which is known as postpartum depression. It could happen right away or up to a year after delivery. It usually happens in the first three months following delivery. Postpartum depression (PPD) falls under the category of postpartum psychiatric disorders, which can be divided into three major subcategories: postpartum depression, postpartum blues, and postpartum psychosis. The fluctuation of hormones right after childbirth results in this. It is commonly known to people as “baby blues," which are milder and more fleeting sensations of stress, despair, and overwhelm that may arise shortly after delivery.

Signs and Symptoms

Recognising the symptoms of postpartum depression is the first step in assisting women in need. PPD symptoms can range from moderate to severe, and they may include:

Prevalence and Challenges in India

PPD is very prevalent in India, with research revealing that approximately 22% of new mothers suffer from this illness. The accurate figure is hard to come by, though, as India is a land of a wide variety of social, economic, and cultural systems. These factors lead to many mothers being left undiagnosed. Despite its high occurrence, PPD is frequently underdiagnosed and untreated due to a combination of stigma, lack of awareness, and poor healthcare resources.

In Indian culture, childbirth is often seen as a joyful occasion, and hence, associating postpartum depression or just any other emotion other than joy is not well accepted. This causes the mothers who undergo PPD to feel lonely and isolated. The mothers are often forced to hide their pain, carry on with life as it is, and wear a mask of joy to avoid being judged or spoken ill of. This atmosphere just makes the illness even harder to cope with. 

Who Is More at Risk?

PDD can affect any pregnant woman, regardless of her age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic standing. However, if you have already experienced postpartum depression or a family member has experienced depression, you are more likely to have it.

The following are additional risk factors:

Coping with PPD

Educating oneself about PPD could help them deal better with the illness.

Having a good support system and involving your family by educating them would help you cope with the illness better.

Seek professional help when necessary. Getting yourself diagnosed is the first step.

Avoid self-blame, as this is a normal reaction to having a baby, and it doesn’t make you a bad mother.

Looking into resources that can assist in coping with PPD.

After welcoming your new baby, if you're feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, know that you're not alone. These emotions are normal and part of postpartum depression (PPD), a treatable medical condition. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and just as you care for your baby, you deserve care too. Remember, discussing your feelings is a brave step towards recovery. Your well-being matters, and with the right support, you can feel better.

For professional help and support, you can reach out to organisations like Heart It Out.