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Explore the complete guide to facing postpartum depression (PPD) as a new mom. Get a further understanding of the symptoms, causes, and effective coping strategies for postpartum disorder (PPD). Discover how to break the stigma and build a strong support system. Achieve a joyful maternity experience by creating the perfect self-care routine.
Table of contents
Motherhood can be a very challenging yet rewarding experience for women everywhere. The patience and struggle when expecting a baby and the joy of finally meeting the newborn can be a fulfilling and rewarding journey for parents.
However, many challenges come along with the delightful moments of being parents. These challenges can be related to financial issues, parenting style, and mental and physical health. During pregnancy leading towards labor, women's bodies undergo various hormonal and physical changes affecting their daily lives.
In many parts of the world, the mental health aspects of being a new mom are frequently disregarded and socially unaccepted. Some women who are raised in a cultural society pose concerns about being judged as incapable of fulfilling their maternal role. Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common mental illnesses that new moms experience. Studies show that, on average, non-psychotic postpartum depression occurs in 13 out of 100 new moms (O'hara & Swain, 1996). Despite how common such mental illness is happening towards women, the negative stigma around it remains unfavorable.
Women who are diagnosed with postpartum depression are frequently portrayed as incapable of fulfilling their maternity role. It is often seen as a sign of incompetence in becoming a parent and raising a child. This has resulted in many cases of women suffering from PPD being undetected and undiagnosed due to the hesitancy in admitting their feelings to family members, including their partners (Beck, 2006). Many women find symptoms of PPD as an embarrassment or even afraid that, if disclosed, they will be isolated from their baby and be institutionalized (Kennedy et al., 2002).
The stigma surrounding PPD in society has deeply and negatively affected the lives of parents and their children. This article's main focus is to destigmatize PPD and normalize this common illness by giving a deep understanding of PPD, its symptoms, causes, effects, and various ways of coping.
Understanding Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a depressive mood disorder that occurs during the first four postpartum weeks, though it can also emerge subsequently during the early postnatal year (Landsman, 2021). Postpartum Depression (PPD) is often recognized as the most common complication of childbirth (Judge & Beck, 2014).
This disorder can last more than six months among more than 50% of those who experienced it. In some rare cases, this depressive mood even lasted approximately four years. The immense pressure from society for mothers to have the ability to juggle multiple roles without trouble often causes new moms to feel overwhelmed, confused, and unhappy in becoming mothers. Often, these feelings later result in postpartum disorders (PPD).
Many women who experienced postpartum depression (PPD) have shared the same feelings of loneliness and isolation. The negative stigma surrounding this illness has prevented many from understanding the severity of this depressive mode. With the lack of knowledge and support among close family members and spouses, this illness can severely harm the new mom's mental state.
Postpartum depression (PPD) can be a very isolating experience that has led to a strong feeling of aloneness and helplessness. The supposedly happy momentum of being a mother is robbed by the constant state of depression, unworthiness, and being overwhelmed. Due to the continuous feelings of misery, many moms admit to not having any strong connection with their children.
Though seemingly having similar symptoms, many often confuse postpartum depression with postpartum blues. Postpartum "blues" is a more recognizable issue within society. Due to the physical and hormonal changes happening to women during pregnancy to labor, postpartum "blues" are concluded as part of the process of becoming a mother. However, this state only lasts for nearly one week, it is usually followed by crying, dysphoria, and emotional drawbacks. Other sources also show that postpartum "blues" symptoms may occur for up to six weeks (Bennet & Indman, 2003). Unlike postpartum "blues," postpartum depression lasts longer, leading to a more severe complication for the parents and the children.
Despite both conditions being very common among new moms, the stigma of these disorders remains adverse. It is a shame that society puts intense pressure on a woman when pursuing their motherhood role. The expectation is that mothers should be able to "do it all" and solely focus their entire lives on raising their children. Mothers who choose to pursue their careers or education are judged as selfish and irresponsible parent figures. New moms who suffer from postpartum depression (PPD) often describe their state as being trapped in a rigorous cycle of societal judgment, resulting in hesitancy in seeking help or openly sharing their struggles. Destigmatizing these conditions and issues needs a communal effort to dismantle the unreasonably high expectations given to mothers.
Learning and understanding more about this issue is one step closer to fighting the negative stigma. Open discussions where new moms can freely express their feelings and struggles without being judged can be a helpful way to fight postpartum depression (PPD). It is important to remember that motherhood can be very challenging, with high responsibility and intense emotional turmoil.
Am I Experiencing Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum Depression (PPD) can be a challenging issue for both new moms and new dads. The intense depressive mode that can last weeks may affect new parents' daily lives. However, not all states of depression and anxiety can be concluded as a mother suffering from postpartum depression (PPD).
This condition is more complex to identify due to the differences in the experience of each person suffering from this disorder. One woman might experience depressive mode while others argue they did not feel depressed. Many women struggle to understand their condition because what they are experiencing might not resonate with what they read about postpartum depression (PPD). Remembering the common symptoms is essential when navigating this difficult journey. While postpartum depression (PPD) can be a very unique and different experience for every mother, expected symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) include:
Postpartum Depression (PPD) can be a challenging issue for both new moms and new dads. The intense depressive mode that can last weeks may affect new parents' daily lives. However, not all states of depression and anxiety can be concluded as a mother suffering from postpartum depression (PPD).
This condition is more complex to identify due to the differences in the experience of each person suffering from this disorder. The tremendous difference one woman suffers from the other may cause major confusion. One woman might experience depressive mode, while others argue they did not feel depressed.
Many women struggle to understand their condition because what they are experiencing might not resonate with what they read about postpartum depression (PPD). Remembering the common symptoms is essential when navigating this difficult journey.
While postpartum depression (PPD) can be a very unique and different experience for every mother, expected symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) include:
1. Lack of interest in previous activities where they find joy
Dealing with depressive episodes in postpartum depression (PPD) is similar to what people who have clinical depression and anxiety experience. Activities that previously brought joy and excitement can become uninteresting and no longer a form of fulfilment. This can cause confusion and frustration to new moms looking for a way to find joy since their previous interest no longer serves its purpose.
2. Overwhelmed feelings of loneliness
It might be difficult for some women to regulate their emotions and manage their thoughts when suffering postpartum depression (PPD). The lack of knowledge and little interest in understanding the medical aspect of postpartum disorder (PPD) can cause the feeling of aloneness for new moms. It becomes a struggle when their spouses and family members cannot understand and relate to the new moms' feelings. Furthermore, with the negative stigma that comes along with this disorder, women will often hide their condition and stay silent in fear of being judged. Thus further making their maternal experience isolating. Studies even show that five out of six women were hesitant to admit their illness, resulting in them not receiving any treatment for postpartum depression (PPD) promptly (Edward & Timmons, 2005).
3. Little to no emotional connection with their newborn
When becoming a mother, women are expected to have strong natural maternal instincts and an intense connection with their newborn. Some mothers even remained in this deep relationship with their children until they became adolescents. However, this is not the case for women suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). Many women who are diagnosed with this illness often find it difficult to connect with their newborns. The constant combination of feeling blue, worthless, and guilty can result in a barrier between the mom and her child. Preventing the joyful parenting milestone in building a healthy and loving relationship between mother and child.
It is not easy to manage sleeping patterns when having a newborn because the baby is constantly awake at midnight. This activity may disrupt the sleep of new moms. However, for women suffering from postpartum depression (PPD), it is difficult for them to rest and sleep even when the newborn is soundly asleep. They often suffer from restless nights where they are not able to get adequate rest, caused by intense anxiety and negative thoughts.
Though it might vary from one woman to another, some new moms who experience postpartum depression report loss of appetite. The lack of appetite and food consumption often affect new mom's physical health and energy level. On the other hand, some women might experience excessive eating as a form of stress release.
How to Cope with Postpartum Depression
Experiencing the complexity of postpartum depression (PPD) can be a difficult and challenging journey. Postpartum depression (PPD) happens when women are incapable of experiencing, communicating, and validating their thoughts and need in an interpersonal relationship and cultural context that supports, accepts, and does not judge them (Mauthner, 1999). Once parents have a deep understanding of this issue and can identify whether the new mom is experiencing postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms, finding a way to cope is essential.
1. Breaking the silence
Tackling the stigma of postpartum depression (PPD) can be a difficult task if society remains silent and ignorant regarding this issue. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects roughly 15% of women (Pearlstein et al., 2009)). Remaining silent and uneducated about this disorder will only enable suffering in new moms and newborns. Women who suffer from this illness should not be judged and humiliated. People should acknowledge how common this illness is when entering the maternal role. There should not be any discrimination given to women who suffer from this illness, as it is very treatable. The cycle of silence should be broken as it only harms the new mother and child. There should be a healthy and open discussion to prevent further complications and diminish any stigma.
Every woman who experiences postpartum depression (PPD) may have different symptoms and severity. Thus, seeking professional help should be the priority after identifying the symptoms of this disorder. Getting early treatments for this issue can further prevent the complications and effects it might have on the mother, child, and spouse. It is worth noting that postpartum depression can be treated. Project C Foundation has Counselor Bani Dhillon who specialises in martial and parental issues you can talk to. You may make an inquiry at our Counselor Page.
3. Building a strong support system
As new moms who suffer from postpartum depression, it can be difficult to cope with loneliness and feelings of isolation. Thus, building a strong support system consisting of spouses, close family members, and friends is crucial. Friends and family members around new moms can have more empathy and support towards new moms by trying to understand their struggles and emotions.
It is important for women suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) not to feel as if they are alone and helpless.
4. Creating a self-care routine for moms
New moms can find it very stressful and tiring to constantly fulfill their maternal roles and responsibilities. It should be essential for women having children to still look after their own mental and physical health by having a relaxing and soothing self-care routine. New moms can take time away from baby-related things and enjoy their day by doing activities they enjoy. New moms need to have personal space to stay serene during the chaos and struggle of juggling the motherhood role. Mothers are suggested to celebrate every small milestone when raising their children to achieve fulfillment and happiness as parental figures. Being a mother is a hard role with immense responsibility; it is important that all mothers feel appreciated.
In conclusion, the journey and struggle of postpartum depression is a challenging and multifaceted experience. Fighting the stigma by breaking the silence, getting professional assistance, building a strong support system, and having a self-care regime for a new mom is a pivotal effort toward recovery. By dispelling stigma and encouraging open communication while acknowledging the significance of mental health issues, we all can build a culture that supports and encourages new mothers. With this collaborative effort, aiming to cope with postpartum depression (PPD) should not be a problem.
Furthermore, it can empower mothers to become more powerful and resilient in finding their path to recovery and a joyful and rewarding maternal experience.
Written by Ida Ayu Merlyn Ardhia Prada
Edited by Virginia Helzainka
References
Beck, C. T. (2006). Postpartum depression. AJN, American Journal of Nursing, 106(5), 40–50. https://doi.org/10.1097/00000446-200605000-00020
Bennett, S. S., & Indman, P. (2002). Beyond the Blues: Prenatal & Postpartum Depression: a Treatment Manual. Moodswings Press.
Buhagiar, R., & Mamo, E. (2023). Postpartum depression and the role and position of cognitive behavioral therapy. Handbook of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by Disorder, 219–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-323-85726-0.00047-8
Edwards, E., & Timmons, S. (2005). A qualitative study of stigma among women suffering postnatal illness. Journal of Mental Health, 14(5), 471–481. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638230500271097
Kennedy, H. P., Beck, C. T., & Driscoll, J. W. (2002). A light in the fog: Caring for women with postpartum depression. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 47(5), 318–330. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1526-9523(02)00272-6
Landsman, A. (2021). Gene expression in depression: Molecular aspects of postpartum depression. The Neuroscience of Depression, 25–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-817935-2.00012-x
Mauthner, N. S. (1999). “Feeling low and feeling bad about feeling low”: Women’s experiences of motherhood and postpartum depression. Canadian Psychology / Psychologie Canadienne, 40(2), 143–161. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086833
O’hara, M. W., & Swain, A. M. (1996). Rates and risk of postpartum depression—a meta-analysis. International Review of Psychiatry, 8(1), 37–54. https://doi.org/10.3109/09540269609037816
Pearlstein, T., Howard, M., Salisbury, A., & Zlotnick, C. (2009). Postpartum depression. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 200(4), 357–364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2008.11.033
Price Judge, M., Francisca Diallo, A., & Tatano Beck, C. (2014). The effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on maternal and child mental health. Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Brain and Neurological Health, 121–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-410527-0.00011-9
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