By Madhu Neb
Shrilekha knew, Something just wasn’t right!
Shrilekha had planned for everything. From the C-section to the six-month break. Every single thing. But what she wasn’t ready for was this dark abyss that she was plunging into, more in-depth, each passing day. It caught her at the most unexpected of times. Just after she had fed, bathed, and put the newborn to sleep. Right at the moment when she had a feeling of having done “something of worth.” She stared at the 6-inch long scar of midsection part without sensation all the time. When all conversations with friends, family, and everyone else started and ended with questions about the baby. She stared long and hard at the baby while he was cooing with no love or affection.
But Shrilekha knew it was not something that would get all right on its own, especially after she came very close to cutting herself. It took her a lot of willpower and determination to not make that cut with the knife that she was chopping vegetables. Postpartum depression is real. World Health Organisation says, 13% of women experience a mental disorder post birth of a baby, and in developing nations like ours, the percentage is close to 20. But don’t all mothers experience some emotional turmoil after the birth of a child, thanks to all the sleepless nights, change of routine, not to mention the physical changes the body is experiencing?
The answer is both yes and no. Yes, it is usual for women to experience what is commonly termed as baby blues anytime after childbirth until they turn about one month. Typical indications include sudden outbursts, mood swings, and a feeling of depression during the period. But if these symptoms do not look to be getting better or improving even after six weeks, it should not be ignored. And if your lows accompany by thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, it is unquestionably not something that should disregard. A sign of postpartum sadness is a condition that requires medical attention.
Think you are experiencing something similar or know someone who is? The fact that you are reading this piece now indicates that you, too, have noticed the signs and know that what you have seen/experienced is not usual. And that is the first step towards successfully battling postpartum depression – acceptance. It is not easy. With approval comes the strong urge to let the situation take over and become a mute spectator, but it also allows the individual to do something about it. And do they must. For the baby, yes, but most importantly for themselves.
Tips you can do/help the person keep depression at bay:
- Ask for help with the baby, friends, and family, and use the time off to relax!
- Set aside time for some physical activities – exercise walks or anything else that works
- Rest, rest, and rest more. There will forever be time for work later.
- Eat properly, and be hydrated.
- Meet other moms, join assist groups, and use these discussions to express beliefs and ask help!
- Seek trained professional medical help from a practicing psychiatrist if the symptoms are overwhelming. Most importantly, remember that postpartum depression is curable.
Madhu Neb, Founder, Talking Heads Content Agency , shared this authored article with Prittle Prattle News .
