Even in our day and age postnatal depression seems like a bit of a taboo topic; discussed in magazines and self help groups,but not often discussed between family members. I have found that when it comes to postnatal depression it tends to stay very hush hush and finds expressions as gossiping whispers. In our day and age woman are under severe amounts of pressure and besides the pressure, ignorance seems to play a major role in why woman suffering from postnatal depression are misunderstood. This blog post will help outsiders not suffering from depression get a better insight into what it is like to suffer from postnatal depression with the aim to educate and to give them the ability to lend a supporting hand to those woman who need their help.
1. It is just your imagination
A number of depression sufferers are under immense pressure to perform and “seem happy” although they are suffering from something which in fact, they cannot help at all. You see, as a pregnant lady, the mom has gone through immense hormonal changes which sometimes can affect the serotonin and dophamin levels in the brain.
Most women facing postnatal depression brush it off as “just there imagination” or as going through a “rough patch” where the realities of what they are going through is far deeper than that. A lot of family members contribute to this notion of “it is just your imagination” or “it’s not that bad” and depression sufferers try to convince themselves of that. This is why it is very important for a family member or close friend to notice that the blues that the new mom is feeling is far more serious than something imaginary. As a family member or friend notice the warning signs and get help for her. She will need it and I promise you she will thank you for it.
2. Too tired to breath
So what are the warnings sings and how can you help? It seems silly for those who have never experienced any form of depression, but for many every day living is exhausting. Getting out of bed, doing laundry, taking a shower or a bath, having a meal. These mundane daily tasks that past most of us by without a which, is exhausting for depressions sufferers. Imagine just having run the comrades and someone asking you to cook a Sunday meal for the family. That would be exhausting after a 96 km race, right? That is exactly how it feels for someone suffering from postnatal depression. One of my clients even described the feeling as being too exhausted to breath. Imagine that?
Now imagine feeling like that and then having to look after a new born baby, that needs a mother’s undivided attention.
Other warning sign include a lack of an appetite, extremely high numbers of crying spills that continue for long periods of time, feelings of being overwhelmed and moodiness.
3. No reason to carry on
Although most moms are ecstatic to bring their new born baby home, a postnatal depressions mom is dreading it. Most of them will not admit it until after they have combated their depression. It is not because they do not love their baby or want to take care of the baby. They are just too exhausted to do so and the idea of looking after this tiny bundle is frightening to say the least. Most ladies experience suicidal thoughts because of this overwhelming task and some may even go as far as to take steps towards suicide. If your family member or friend is showing any of these signs immediately seek professional medical help.
For most women it feels that there is no hope and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. With the right support from friends and family and with the guidance, help and assistance of a professional counselor postnatal depression can be overcome and the mother can find joy in having a baby once again. If you are suffering from postnatal depression or know of someone who is battling with this seek professional counselling to help the mother through this journey in her life.
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