Postpartum Depression: Hidden battle affecting millions of new mothers

In the middle of the joy and huge excitement that comes along with the birth of a newborn also comes a fight that most mothers have to battle: postpartum depression. It is a mental health condition that affects several women after giving birth, with the signs beginning during pregnancy or in the months following birth.

While the world chooses not to discuss this topic out in loud, it is important to shed light on it as one is seven women have to come in front with this wearying condition.

According to the information, postpartum depression can severely debilitate a mother's ability to care for herself and for her baby.

Up to 85% of new mums experience some type of postpartum mood change. These usually resolve with time, but if the symptoms are severe or last for longer than two weeks, screening for PPD should be considered.

What happens if a woman is struggling with Postpartum Depression?

Most women across the globe are at risk of developing this condition after giving birth, and this can lead them to face several issues, including eating more or less than usual. She may feel more angry or moody than too all the time, with unusual tears or a feeling of sadness hitting her constantly.

Women can also feel anxious or have intrusive thoughts because of PPD, which eventually leads them to isolate themselves from loved ones. They can also have difficulty connecting with their baby as they may feel guilty, shameful, or worthless.

Risk factors for developing PPD include the following:

- Marital instability - Poor social support - Recent negative life events - Loss of employment or financial independence - Previous history of depression or PPD - Biological factors, including susceptibility to hormonal changes - Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy

As the world is changing, so is the thinking of people, which is why women these days are choosing to open up about PPD and seeking therapy after birth, highlighting the experiences and challenges of new motherhood.

Postpartum depression doesn't have to be scary. While it can be a challenge, there is hope for a happy and healthy postpartum experience, especially if the men in the relationship are supportive of their wives and understand what she is going through.

Real-life experiences of mothers who dealt with PPD

When asked the netizens about their personal experiences, several new moms came forward to share their battles with the world.

A woman said that she suffered from this condition for around 3 to 4 years because she had back-to-back babies, and as a result, her house was not clean, and she was not cooking.

She added, "We were going out and getting McDonald's almost every single night, or we were door-dashing. I was not showering like everything was being neglected."

She noted that it will 100 percent interfere with the daily lives of the couple, and it's not something that should be just pushed off to the wayside.

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Another female said that she used to sit in her closet to cry and sob as it was the only place her children could not find or hear her.

A woman named Shreya Mitra, while sharing her own experience, said that she was 'sinking' mentally. She outlined, "it was impacting my marriage very strongly. My anger was out of control. Nothing made me happy. It was a different level of sadness. I have never experienced that kind of sadness. It is unreal. I would not bond with my child.

"I felt God was punishing me because I could not love my child. I lived a double life for 8 to 9 months, during which I was happy on the outside, but inside, I wanted out. I still don't know whether I wanted out of the relationship, the motherhood thing, or like," she further added.