Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that can affect a woman's behavior and physical health after giving birth. Symptoms include:
- Unusual crying or sadness
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Thoughts of harming the baby or yourself
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Change in appetite
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Inability to concentrate
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in India is estimated to be around 22%, with a range of 19.8–23.3%. However, the prevalence varies by region, with the highest rates in the south and east of India, and the lowest in the north. The percentage may seem lesser, but the real reason is people consider women to just be "hormonal," and acting as such is normal.
"My daughter faced postpartum depression. I am still disappointed in myself till this day because how could I not understand my own child? She had a baby; it was premature by one month. After the pregnancy, my daughter was not the same. She suddenly started crying and yelling, and this wasn't normal for us. She isolated herself, and one year after the baby was born, she killed herself. I wish I was aware enough to know that this was postpartum depression. I wish I could have helped her." – an anonymous mother
What causes postpartum depression?
- Hormonal changes occur after a woman gives birth. The estrogen and progesterone hormones suddenly drop, leading to depressive episodes.
- Caring for a newborn can lead to sleep deprivation, and the stress can lead to PPD.
- Genetics also play a huge role; if it’s in the family, it’s more likely to continue.
- Changes in body and environment can also lead to PPD.
"When my wife gave birth to our first, we were over the moon. But when she gave birth to our second, she was different. She suddenly started wanting to be alone and used to scream at our baby whenever it started crying. She would bite herself and start hysterically crying. I took her to a doctor, and they told us she was diagnosed with postpartum depression. She was later cured, and we are happy now."
How is PPD treated? Therapy, either hormonal or with antidepressants. Self-care, like giving yourself some time alone from the baby, taking care of yourself, and giving your life a meaning so you can give your baby a meaning as well. Remember, these women do not hate their children; they themselves don’t understand what’s going on. So many women have reported feeling that they were a danger to their babies.
When a woman gives birth, sometimes she feels that everyone cares about the baby and not her. This is not called being selfish but rather that she went through labor/surgery, and taking care of herself after giving birth is vital. The woman is usually on nervous ground, and helping her, especially as a husband, is important.
Untreated postpartum depression can last for months or longer, sometimes becoming an ongoing depressive disorder. Mothers may stop breastfeeding, have problems bonding with and caring for their infants, and be at increased risk of suicide. Understanding a mother after such a life-changing incident requires delicate words and an enormous amount of support. Even if you suspect something that may make you feel that a mother is depressed, help her. Encourage her to go forward with therapy. Some might refuse, but it’s your duty to continue. Offer to pay for therapy, be their therapist, etc.
"A woman who is incompetent in raising a baby has failed as a mother" is a busted statement, as there is no perfect meaning of a perfect mother. A mother is one who supports her child unconditionally and is ready to take help for the betterment of herself, her family, and her children. She's also one who is alone in making decisions sometimes, lacks support due to social stigma, and doesn’t know what’s best for her. She's confused because she's overwhelmed. She doesn’t want to blame the child but society because they are making her feel that she is a bad mother.
Postpartum depression is a serious disorder, and sometimes keeping our ego aside is more important, as helping your wife grow will help your child as well. Postpartum depression is not a health issue only borne by the mother; it affects everyone as well. It's not her fault, obviously, so if she doesn’t understand, then her surroundings should.
Educating yourself about such an issue and then raising awareness on it is a role that society needs to follow. In schools, especially in underprivileged areas, as a lot of women there have to bear more physical labor after birth. Realizing that if a woman asks for help or even to leave her alone, listen. Listen when a mother is complaining.
"When my husband (ex) found out that I was suffering through postpartum depression, he left me, took my son, and spread rumors that I am crazy, stupid, and cannot raise my child. This took a deep toll on my mental and physical health, and he won the court battle due to this. I spent three years working on myself and constantly fighting for my son when I won full custody. I wish more people would understand the condition and support women as a whole."