“Everyone wants to hold the baby, but who holds the mom?”
This quote perfectly encapsulates the struggles faced by many modern women after giving birth. While motherhood is a time of joy and new beginnings, it can also bring significant emotional turmoil. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects around 22% of mothers in India, meaning 1 in 5 women may experience clinical depression after childbirth. Yet, this number might be higher due to limited awareness and social stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among mothers.
In previous generations, mental health issues like postpartum depression were often dismissed or misunderstood. Mothers were expected to embrace their new role with unwavering happiness. Any deviation from this ideal was met with judgment, scorn, or disbelief. The societal expectation was that a “good mother” wouldn’t feel sadness or anxiety after childbirth.
This mindset often left struggling mothers feeling isolated, guilty, and ashamed. Even today, in many families, these outdated beliefs persist, making it difficult for women to openly express their emotional struggles.
Contributing Factors to Postpartum Depression
Several factors can contribute to postpartum depression, including:
Changing Family Dynamics: With the shift from joint families to nuclear families, many new mothers lack the support they once had. However, even in joint families, unsupportive or demanding environments can worsen a mother’s mental state.
Identity Crisis: Modern women, who are accustomed to independence and career success, may struggle with the loss of their individual identity during the transition to motherhood. This fear of losing oneself can exacerbate feelings of depression.
Hormonal Changes: The body undergoes drastic hormonal shifts after childbirth, which can affect mood and emotional stability.
Women with PPD may experience persistent sadness, overwhelming guilt, anxiety about their ability to be a good mother, irritability, low self-esteem, and an inability to enjoy motherhood. In severe cases, they may neglect themselves or their baby and have suicidal thoughts or harmful intentions towards the child (postpartum psychosis).
Red Flag Symptoms
Family members, especially spouses, play a crucial role in recognizing the warning signs of postpartum depression. Regularly checking in with new mothers, especially those with a history of mental health issues, challenging pregnancies, or physical health problems, is vital. A supportive, empathetic spouse who shares responsibilities and offers non-judgmental support can be instrumental in helping mothers navigate this challenging period.
Remember: After celebrating motherhood on Mother’s Day (or any day), take a moment to ask new mothers how they’re really feeling.
Treatment of Postpartum Depression at World Brain Center Hospital
At World Brain Center Hospital, our best doctors for postpartum depression prescribe antidepressants to help balance brain chemistry. It may take a few weeks to notice improvements, but this is often combined with counseling to equip mothers with better strategies for managing their emotions. Support from family and friends, a healthy diet, regular sleep, and emotional connection are also crucial in the recovery process.
If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression, contact us to learn more about our postnatal depression counseling services. We are here to provide the best treatment for postpartum depression in Delhi.
Remember: You are not alone, and help is available. Reach out today!
