“When the Joy of Motherhood is Overshadowed: My Journey with Undiagnosed Postpartum Depression”
Parenthood is a significant life-changing event that can bring a family joy, love, and fulfilment. However, with all the positive aspects, it’s not always rainbows and sunshine. The arrival of a newborn can also be challenging and overwhelming, especially for new mothers. In addition, the period after childbirth, known as the postpartum period, can bring various emotional and physical changes to the mother’s life, sometimes leading to postpartum depression.
In hindsight, I wish my husband and I had known I was suffering from postpartum depression. The signs were there, but we didn’t recognise them then. In my case, I felt overwhelmed and stressed out most of the time. I was constantly worried about my baby’s well-being, and I felt like I couldn’t keep up with the demands of motherhood. I was also experiencing intense guilt and self-doubt, which only worsened things. As a result, I struggled with feelings of hopelessness, despair, and extreme sadness, leading to constant fatigue and exhaustion. It was a challenging time for my husband and me, who tried his best to be supportive but didn’t know how to help.
Postpartum depression is a type of condition that can occur in women after giving birth. The Indian psychiatric society says it affects around 1 in 7 women. The state can develop at any time during the first year after childbirth and is caused by various factors, such as hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and emotional stress. Not being treated may lead to severe emotional, physical, and social problems.
The symptoms of postpartum depression can vary from person to person but generally include the following:
- Feeling sad or depressed most of the time
- Lack of interest in activities
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling tired or low energy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
The symptoms were mainly characterised by feeling low, having no interest in things that used to excite me, and not having the energy to do anything. I was always tired and couldn’t sleep well, even when I had the chance to do so. I also thought negatively about my parenting abilities and felt like I was failing as a mother.
It was a difficult time for both my husband and me. We didn’t know what was wrong with me, and we didn’t learn how to recognise the symptoms of postpartum depression. We thought these feelings were a normal part of the transition into motherhood, and we tried to manage them by ourselves. However, as the days passed, things worsened, and I felt increasingly overwhelmed.
It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I needed help. I had a breakdown and knew I couldn’t go on like this. My husband was shocked by what he saw and immediately took action. He researched the symptoms of postpartum depression and realised I was suffering. He talked to my doctor, who recommended that I see a therapist and start taking medication.
With the proper treatment and support, I recovered from postpartum depression. Therapy sessions helped me better understand my emotions, and the medication was administered to stabilise my mood. My husband was my rock throughout the process, and I couldn’t have done it without his support.
Looking back, I wish my husband and I had been more educated about postpartum depression before our baby was born. We could have recognised the signs earlier and sought help before things got too bad. It’s essential for new parents to be aware of the risks and to have a plan in place in case postpartum depression does occur.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you must talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Postpartum depression is a treatable condition, and many resources are available to help you improve. Therapy, medication, and support groups are all effective treatments for postpartum depression.
If you’re a new parent, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Talk to your doctor, reach out to a support group, and lean on your loved ones for support. Remember, postpartum depression is a treatable condition, and with the right help, you can get better.
