Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a type of mood disorder that affects some women after delivery. A woman suffering from PPD can experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, or emptiness that can last for weeks or months after delivery. Drishiyam fame Ishita Dutta recently opened about how she went through postpartum depression after embracing motherhood in July 2023.
Talking about it in her vlog, Dutta said, “Yes, I know, there will be a lot of comments now of women saying, ‘we have given birth to five children. We haven’t faced all these. These are all aaj kal ke chonchle’. I am sorry, but this is something that we are experiencing and feeling.” Adding further about her experience, Dutta said, “I used to cry for hours not knowing what happened. I would feel terrible. But my family supported me through this.”
According to a study published by National Institute of Health, “Postpartum depression is a debilitating mental disorder with a prevalence between 5% and 60.8% worldwide. The intensity of feeling inability in suffering mothers is so high that some mothers with postpartum depression comment life as the death swamp.”
To understand postpartum depression in detail and know how to manage it, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Rahul Chandhok, Head Consultant, Mental and Behavioural Science at Artemis Hospital Gurugram.
Symptoms And Causes Of Postpartum Depression
Dr Chandok said, “PPD can make it difficult for new mothers to bond with their baby and handle the demands of motherhood. Symptoms may also include changes in appetite, difficulty in sleeping, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and trouble in concentrating.”
Talking about the causes, Dr Chandok said, “The exact cause of PPD isn't completely understood, but factors like hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the stress of caring for a newborn are believed to contribute.”
Furthermore, factors like lack of support from partner, family or friends, feeling of isolation can lead to feelings of depression. “Sociocultural influences, like societal pressure to be a "perfect" mother or unrealistic expectations about childbirth and motherhood, can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy and distress,” he added.
Tips To Overcome Postpartum Depression
As per Dr Chandok, overcoming postpartum depression requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the biological and psychological aspects of the condition. Here are some tips shared by him to overcome postpartum depression.
- Seeking support from healthcare professionals, like therapists, counsellors, or psychiatrists, can provide valuable guidance and therapeutic interventions.
- Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can help individuals in developing coping strategies, challenge negative thought patterns, and build resilience.
- Joining support groups or connecting with other mothers who have had a similar experience can offer validation, understanding, and practical advice.
- Prioritising self-care activities, like getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in gentle exercise, can help in restoring physical and emotional well-being.
- Involving partners, family members, or friends in caregiving responsibilities can lighten the burden and provide the much-needed support.
- Taking medication under the guidance of a healthcare provider is beneficial for mothers dealing with PPD.
It's important for mothers experiencing PPD to be patient with themselves, seek help when needed, and remember that recovery is possible with time and support.
Can Postpartum Depression Be Prevented?
When asked, Dr Chandok said, “While PPD cannot always be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce their risk or mitigate its severity.” Here are some tips on mitigating the risk of PPD.
- Open and clear communication with loved ones about feelings and concerns can foster understanding and create a supportive environment.
- Engaging in stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga during pregnancy and after childbirth can help in managing stress levels and promote emotional well-being.
- Establishing realistic expectations about motherhood and seeking information about the challenges and changes that accompany childbirth can also help mothers in feeling more prepared and empowered.
- Women with a history of depression or other mental health concerns, discussing preventive strategies with a healthcare provider before childbirth, like therapy or medication, may be beneficial.
Concluding, Dr Chandok said, “It's important to recognize that PPD can still occur despite these efforts, and seeking timely support and treatment is critical for recovery.”