Swati, a young mother, had to consult her psychologist soon after her first child was born. She confessed to have been suffering from severe depression. Besides crying all the time she used to get irritated at the slightest of reasons but what worried her most was that she couldn’t develop a bond with her baby.
Swati is among thousands of women suffering from a severe form of emotional distress which sets in soon after childbirth. Clinically speaking, it is referred to as Postpartum Depression or PPD.
Signs to watch out forEarlier the medical fraternity did not give much importance to PPD, dismissing it as “baby blues” after childbirth. Only recently have some studies pointed out a clear distinction between them.
Baby blues are characterized by mood swings, irritability and decreased concentration in the mother, as opposed to PPD which is more severe. During PPD, the mother feels much worse and the symptoms persist for several months.
- Your baby blues don’t go away after two weeks
- Symptoms of depression get more intense with time
- Strong feelings of sadness or anger persist two months after delivery
- It’s hard for you to perform tasks at work or at home
- You cannot care for yourself or your baby
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
(Adapted from Mayo Clinic)
PPD can begin in the first six weeks after child birth, its most unique symptom being -- the mother has recurrent thoughts of hurting the baby in some way.
The reasons for PPD to set in are several and difficult to isolate. PPD could be the result of rapidly changing hormonal levels following childbirth, marital conflicts, financial difficulties or burying feelings due to social pressure.
PPD left untreated can last up to a year, or longer. Sometimes it may develop into full blown clinical depression.
Coping with PPDMost experts agree that nothing can make up for the pillar strength of a caring spouse and the presence of a strong support system (family, friends or counselor).
Here are the most accepted treatment plans for a woman with PPD.
Medical: PPD is usually treated with a course of anti-depressant medication to get hormonal levels under control.
Counseling: It helps release pent up anger and can guide the woman to accept and enjoy motherhood.
Self-help: Some women cope with PPD just through sheer determination to battle the condition.
Tips to follow
- Rest as much as you can and sleep when the baby is sleeping.
- Make out time for your friends, go out with them or spend some time with your partner alone.
- Talk with experienced mother so that you can learn from their experiences.
- Avoid any major changes in your life during or post pregnancy.
- Exercise in the form of yoga and part-time work are some of the other strategies women have used to successfully overcome depression.
- Family support: The single most important factor in PPD treatment is the support of husband, family and close friends. Indian families especially need to understand that these mood swings will not “just disappear” and are not just a play for attention. For this the family first needs the right information on PPD and its dangerous consequences.
Family support is in fact crucial in providing the mother with the right treatment plan, a good diet, help in childcare and enough rest. Most importantly a woman with depression needs a listening, caring and understanding attitude.
The importance of timely helpLeft untreated PPD can severely impair a child’s emotional and physical development. Studies show that in India, an estimated 10 percent of new mothers seem to experience PPD. But only half of these women are correctly assessed, diagnosed and treated for their depression.
Hvovi Bhagwagar is a psychotherapist and behavior skills specialist 
