Not all the myths are actual myths. There are few things that are believed to be myth but actually not. One such thing is called postpartum depression, a real thing whose existence is being rejected by many people (not only by men but also by women).
Many women are given extra attention, more care and lots of affection when she was pregnant. But the same woman goes unnoticed after she delivers. Every single person’s attention turns to the baby who is considered to be the blessing for the family. Nobody cares what happens to the person who actually brings the blessing into the world. And the problem starts there. This sudden seclusion after all these months of pampering hits really hard on the mother.
There are few visible reasons that results in Postpartum depression (PPD). The sudden responsibility of taking care of a little human, sudden drop of all her hormones from peak to ground, lack of attention, feeling of being alone, balancing work, life and baby and so on. There are women out there living in the present day with all these problems and still being questioned and judged for having a problem. Why are they being judged? Where is the real problem lies?
The actual problem in this case lies very much in less understanding. This PPD is not something that is happening recent days but something that is taken into spotlight very late. Most mothers experience this type of depression in first few weeks of delivery. But there are mothers who gets affected by it even after 6 months. Recent studies even states that this particular depression can last even up to 3 years after birth. New mothers are forced to face criticism given by fellow women including their own mother, in-laws, grandmother, friends and relatives about the way they deliver (vaginal/c-section), about baby’s birth weight, colour, height, how they feed the baby (breast feed/ formula) etc., these people have opinion on almost everything which naturally adds pressure on new mothers. It’s nothing but adding fuel to the fire.
Well, does this PPD only affects the mother? Absolutely a big NO! the emotions and mood swings of a mother naturally affects her child. Study says PPD, in most cases, results in negative parenting. Which one day will ultimately result in regret. To make a change, NOW is never late. In order to bring some change, all we need is understanding. When you take care of a new mother instead of giving opinion or advice try being nice to her. Give her what she actually wants (in most cases, it is support). And notice any of the following symptoms in her. Excessive mood swings, reasonless crying, difficulty in bonding with her baby, being alone, eating unusual (very minimum/ high), experiencing insomnia, sleeping all the time. When you see a woman fighting these things instead of “Are you the only one who has given birth?” or “When I delivered my boy I have never once felt like you” try saying “You are doing great! Let me know if you need anything” and “You are not alone. I can help you get through this in any way you want”
This is just a phase. Not all the mother are likely to get affected. But, when we find our loved ones (wife, sister, daughter, in-laws, friends or even neighbours) it is not a difficult task to show love. Avoiding will never gives us any solution. First, it is time to take PPD from the list of myth. Understand it is an actual thing that is happening. Second, accept when a person is actually suffering from PPD. Give them support, love, care and attention. Third, create awareness. When someone seems to be unaware of treatments regarding any common diseases, we never hesitate to suggest them to have medical attention. In Same way give the woman medical attention to help her come out the phase.
Apart from every external support, the emotional support given will help her come out of the line really soon. So, let us create a change. A change that can be recognized as a revolution. An emotional revolution. cheers!
The_she_tales 