Postpartum Depression

Many of us have probably heard the term ‘postpartum depression‘, but what is this condition really? How can we spot the warning signs, and how can we support new mothers? Today, let’s find out together!

 

During the postpartum period, a mother’s body undergoes a sudden hormonal shift, which significantly affects brain chemicals. This makes it a time when many new mothers experience heightened emotional vulnerability, broadly categorised into two main types:

 

1. Baby Blues

  • Example Symptoms: Crying or getting easily irritated for no apparent reason, fatigue, insomnia despite exhaustion, and feeling strangely overwhelmed.
  • Duration: Usually occurs within the first 2-3 days after childbirth and improves within 2 weeks without medication.

 

2. Postpartum Depression (PPD)

  • Example Symptoms: Persistent feelings of sadness or lowness, loss of enjoyment in previously favoured activities, feelings of guilt, or feeling like an inadequate mother. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns begin to impact daily life. In some cases, there may be risks of harming oneself or the baby, which requires close guidance and care from a specialist.
  • Duration: May begin within 4 weeks after childbirth, with symptoms lasting for 2 weeks or more.

 

When Postpartum Depression Affects Someone Close to Us… How Can We Support Them?

The first and most important step is understanding and non-judgment. Avoid hurtful remarks such as, “You can’t even handle this much? Other mothers do it just fine.”, “Hey, why are we sad? Think about our baby.”, or even “Look at me, I work outside and I’m much more tired than you.” Postpartum depression is not ‘weakness’ or ‘overthinking’; it is a medical condition that no mother would choose to have.

Next is planning to speak with a specialist. No need to wait to be certain the symptoms have lasted for 2 weeks. The moment any of the aforementioned signs are noticed, feel free to consult a specialist for peace of mind.

Alongside professional care, those around her can help share the load without the mother having to ask, such as taking care of the baby or handling house chores so she can rest and recover.

 

And whether you are an exhausted mother or someone close carrying stress… please don’t keep it to yourself. Whenever you need a safe space to vent your feelings, you can always call and talk to trained psychological first-aid volunteers on the Sati App

Download Sati App:

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.finleyagency.sati&pcampaignid=web_share

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1521432838

(Note: This space is intended for emotional support, not clinical treatment. Therefore, we encourage consulting a specialist alongside this for the mother’s optimal mental well-being.)