As per statistics, one in seven women can develop post-partum depression. Post-partum depression is not the same as depression.
Post-partum blues or baby blues are common in new mothers. In this condition, the woman after giving birth experiences strong feelings of sadness, anxiety, and worry. In this condition, it becomes hard for the mother to care for herself and the baby. In most cases, baby blues subside after a week or two on their own. However, if the symptoms extend beyond 2 weeks post-delivery and up to 1 year then it is termed post-partum depression. It must be noted that postpartum depression needs professional treatment without any delay. Make sure to rely on trusted psychiatry clinics for depression treatment in Mumbai to get the right assistance.
Some of the common symptoms of post-partum depression are-
- Excessive guilt
- Excessive worrying
- Anxious thoughts
- Difficulty in falling asleep
- Suicidal thoughts
- Tiredness
- Excessive mood swings
- Angry outbursts and irritability
- Unexplained crying that becomes more than usual
Apart from the stated symptoms, the affected individual may also want to stay away from friends and family. These symptoms can manifest in the following episodes-
1)Thoughts of feeling empty and alone, despite just adding a baby to the family.
2)Feeling uncontrollably sad and nonstop crying. Difficulty in sleeping and eating.
3)Feeling completely overwhelmed and thinking that you will never be a good mother.
4)Constantly feeling irritable, tired, angry, and sometimes even resenting the baby due to the changes it caused in your life.
5)Feeling out of focus and inability to concentrate.
6)Having thoughts of harming yourself or the baby.
As we mentioned before, post-partum depression is quite common. However, even with so much awareness, people still do not think it is necessary to opt for professional help. So, when should one look for help from a doctor?
If you find anyone having even 1 or 2 of the above symptoms, which are persisting for beyond 2 weeks and increasing in intensity then one must consult a professional for depression treatment in Navi Mumbai.
Is there any taboo around PPD or do people now willingly seek medical help?
Yes, there is a taboo and stigma for diagnosis of PPD, mainly as these symptoms aren’t visible and attributed to be a part of personality or normal mood swings which can happen to some women. The problem here is that people perceive it as something normal that happens with all new mothers. Even though motherhood is natural, without the right support systems available, it can feel overwhelming and difficult. Also, it is expected that most new mothers will just find their feet and will learn to cope with the new situation automatically as time passes. Luckily now, due to awareness about this illness via all forms of media, the stigma is gradually reducing, and we are seeing more and more mothers seeking professional help for depression treatment in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.