Yesterday was World Mental Health Day, and on this occasion we can’t help ignoring the issue of a new mother’s mental health by breaking the taboo and speaking of postpartum depression.
In the past, mental health was still stigmatized, but in the past 20 years or so, organizations have shed light on this matter and people in the limelight have been coming forth to divulge their secrets, making it socially acceptable for everyone to be aware and share their own personal struggle. One of the mottos is “it’s ok not to be ok”, and is a widely used phrase for support to all those suffering from some sort of mental state from anxiety to depression, and is a positive outcome of the much criticized social media.
As we discussed in the previous entry, a woman’s life is changed the moment she becomes a mother. The enormity of the tasks she must manage are overwhelming, and while some cope well (in its loosest meaning, because how well is well?) others might have been hit harder by this initiation to parenthood. And while some are able to rationalize their feelings, lean on a partner or whatever they can to soldier on, others are going down in an abyss of anxiety, panic and fear which if not treated properly can cause great damage to both the mother and the infant.
It’s ok not to be ok.
Low self esteem, feeling ashamed, exhaustion, change in appetite, oversleeping or under sleeping, trouble bonding with the newborn, lack of concentration and many other factors are those of PPD. In this case a mother needs all the help she can get, which is why we hope for more who are suffering to shed some light on their experience, reach out for help from a professional if needed, talk to friends and family members and be open about their mental state because during this trying time, no good can come from social withdrawal.
What makes it worse for the mothers who are going through this rough time is the expectation from society to be the exemplary parent who is beaming smiles and radiating positivity, they feel pressured to pretend to be fine and feel bad for not being like they assume they should be. There are no rules, there is no right or wrong. There is experience, and it varies from one mother to the next.
Share this with mothers who might be going through some baby blues, or pregnant women to help them understand that if they do pass through a turbulent post birth experience, that they are not alone.
Maria Najem
photo: whattoexpect.com
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