Coping with Postpartum Depression

“I just couldn’t get out of bed. My baby would be wailing her lungs out next to me and I’d just be lying there, unable to move or do anything to comfort her. I felt hollow and drained out – unable to muster even an iota of love for what was meant to be the most precious gift from God” – a tearful 26 year old Radhika Khanna* recounts her state of mind a few weeks post delivery.

She spent months doubting her maternal instincts and was wracked with guilt at her inability to take control of her emotions. Radhika is just one of many Indian women, suffering from postpartum depression – an emotional state of fatigue, worry, self doubt and sadness that often kicks in soon after delivery. Also known as baby blues, these feelings should fade away on their own within  a couple of weeks but sometimes, they can linger. As a new mother, if you find your feelings intensifying and affecting your ability to take care of yourself and your baby, it maybe a more severe form of postpartum depression

Baby blues or postpartum depression (PPD) affects nearly 20% of women who give birth each year. You could have PPD if you are experiencing 3 or more of these symptoms:

• A feeling of extreme emptiness and sadness
• Severe fatigue
• Irritability and high stress
• Avoiding friends and loved ones
• Disinterest in caring for your baby
• Trouble focusing and making decisions
• A general feeling of hopelessness and/or suicidal thoughts
• An overwhelming sense of guilt or worthlessness
• Trouble sleeping or eating

“I holed myself up in my room and refused to talk to anyone – not even my husband or mother. My family began blaming me for neglecting my child and accused me of being a bad mother. How could I explain to them that I just wasn’t mentally or emotionally able to step up to being a mom?”, 32 year old Kusum Mehta* struggled with PPD for almost six months post delivery. Neither she nor her family recognized it as a medical condition which is why it was left untreated for so long. “I came across an article online and realized that perhaps there is an explanation for the way I feel. I realized then that there is no shame in admitting that I have PPD and that I was in dire need of help from a trained mental health professional. I began counselling sessions and taking medicines – soon my general state of helplessness began to recede and I began to feel more in control of my maternal nature”, recounts Kusum.

Just like depression, PPD should not be brushed under the carpet. Seek out a family member or friend that you can confide in. If that doesn’t help, find a counselor or therapy helpline that can help you identify the severity of your condition and help you resolve it. Talk therapy, antidepressant medication or a combination of both is often used to help treat postpartum depression. Having a therapist or counselor as a support system can also help to make you feel less lonely and on the faster track to recovery.

Motherhood can be a mixed bag of emotions. As a new mom who expected to feel all excited and joyful at this phase, it can be confusing and frustrating when you maybe feeling the exact opposite. Take heart in the fact that you are not alone and that there is help available should you seek it out. Be kind to yourself, take it easy and channelize your energy towards creating a positive environment for both you and baby.