Calm Her Mind

Motherhood is indeed magical, but it also comes with a heavy emotional toll. The joy of welcoming a newborn is a different feeling altogether. However, among all this, some mothers experience something called Postpartum Depression (PPD), and it’s much more than baby blues; it is a serious condition that deserves awareness, support, and care.

Today, let’s discuss what postpartum depression really is, how it feels, why it happens, and what can be done to heal.

What is postpartum depression? 

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that occurs after childbirth, usually within the first few weeks to months. As I mentioned earlier, it is much different from short-lived baby blues, which fade within two weeks, PPD can persist and intensify.

Symptoms of PPD: 

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Excessive crying
• Trouble bonding with the baby
• Fatigue or insomnia, even when the baby sleeps
• Loss of interest in activities
• Appetite changes
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby (in severe cases)

What’s the difference between PPD and Baby Blues?

1. Onset: Baby blues usually start from 2-3 days after delivery, while PPD can start within weeks/months after birth.
2. Duration: Baby blues doesn’t last long, it goes on for up to 2 weeks, but PPD can last more than that.
3. Severity: Baby values include mild mood swings, while PPD is characterized by intense, disruptive emotions.
4. Treatment needed: Usually, no treatments are required for baby blues, but PPD requires professional help.

Why does postpartum depression happen?

1. Hormonal changes: The postpartum period leads to a sudden drop in progesterone and estrogen, which in turn affects brain chemistry.
2. Sleep deprivation: Newborns require a lot of care, which disrupts rest, impacting mental health.
3. Lifestyle adjustments: When a woman gives birth, she faces a lot of changes in her lifestyle. The major shift, isolation, and the pressure to ‘do it right’ causes PPD.
4. History of mental illness: Women who have a previous history of anxiety and depression are at higher risk.
5. Lack of support: Constant stressing about emotions, relationships, or finances can intensify PPD.

You Are Not a Bad Mother

Postpartum depression often makes you feel ashamed, worthless, or guilty. If you have postpartum depression, it doesn’t mean you are failing. You are not weak, ungrateful, or incapable. You don’t need to judge yourself.

How to support yourself through PDD

1. Talk to a professional: You can seek help from a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist through:

• Talk therapy
• Medication
• Group therapy or support groups

2. Ask for help: Your loved ones can be your best therapists, let them know what you need:

• Time to rest 
• Help with chores or baby care
• Emotional check-ins

3. Connect with other mothers: You alone are not having these issues. Join online or local mom groups to share experiences and feel understood.
4. Gentle self-care: Self-care plays a huge role in healing. Try to:

• Eat nourishing foods
• Stay hydrated
• Rest when you can
• Practice self-compassion

5. Limit social media: Social media judgment is the worst thing for your mental health. Do not compare yourself to others’ highlight reels, as it can worsen feelings of inadequacy. Unfollow, mute, or do the best- take a break.
6. Track your feelings: You can try using a journal or app to track your mood and triggers, which will also help you and your provider notice symptoms.

When to seek immediate help?

If you experience:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Thoughts of harming your baby
• Complete withdrawal from daily life

Call a mental health professional or helpline immediately!

What can partners and families do?

• Listen without judgment
• Offer practical help 
• Encourage treatments
• Validate her feelings
• Avoid saying ‘just be happy’ or ‘it’s just hormones’

Postpartum depression can happen to anyone, no matter if you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned parent. It’s quite common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. With time, support, and the right care, recovery from postpartum depression is absolutely possible. Be patient with yourself and prioritize healing.