Baby blues and postpartum depression are still taboo topics in Malaysia.
If you’re one of the new mums experiencing them, it must be very difficult. I understand because I went through the same thing earlier this year after giving birth to my adorable baby girl.
That feeling can happen unexpectedly, as mine did. It was just a sudden feeling of not feeling good about myself, the baby, and everything else.
I was completely baffled as to what was going on. Because logically, mothers who have just given birth must be overjoyed and in love with their new bundle of joy.
But why did I feel like nothing was going right and that I just wanted to give up? That alone should raise a warning sign.
Well, until you go through it yourself, you won’t really feel what it’s like. Those who do not understand the dangers of baby blues and postpartum depression are likely to believe that new mothers are ‘putting on a show’ or ‘mengada-ngada’! This is unfortunate for the mums because it might only make them feel even worse.
The awareness of baby blues and postpartum depression is important for everyone. It will inform those affected that this is exactly what they are experiencing, as well as others, that the condition is real!
Because without knowing that those feelings are something that must be treated, mothers going through this may blame themselves, as I did.
But after doing some research and discovering that having that kind of feeling is completely normal, it gives me the confidence to seek treatment, which I’ll discuss further down in this article.
First and foremost, I believe it is critical to learn more about baby blues and postpartum depression, including the differences between the two.
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
Some people may be more familiar with one term than the other or believe that they both mean the same thing. However, this is not the case.
According to St. Luke’s Health, baby blues are the side effects of being overwhelmed when recovering from childbirth and usually pass quickly. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, has more severe symptoms and should be treated by a medical professional.
So, what are the implications of both of these conditions? Let’s start with baby blues.
The March of Dimes defines it as “feelings of sadness that may appear in the first few days after having a baby.” And, shockingly, up to four out of every five new parents (80%) can experience the baby blues, regardless of race, age, income, culture, or education level.
Contrarily, postpartum depression (PPD) is a medical condition in which women experience persistently strong emotions of sadness, anxiety (worry), and exhaustion after giving birth.
As a result, it becomes difficult for the mothers to care for the child and even themselves. PPD can also be dangerous if left untreated, as evidenced by this tragic news about a mother who committed suicide with her newborn :’(
The symptoms for both are also distinct, as illustrated in the figure below:
So, How to Deal with Baby Blues?
The mixed emotions that appear unexpectedly in the first few days after giving birth should not be ignored. That way, you’ll give yourself a better chance of settling into your new significant role.
There are several things you can do to feel more like yourself again, but I found that the following suggestions from WebMD and Healthline helped to alleviate my baby blues.
- Sleep as much as possible and rest when the baby is napping.
- Eat nutritious good foods to feel better and stay healthy.
- Take a walk, even if it is just outside your door; nothing beats fresh air and sunshine.
- Do not be ashamed to accept or seek assistance.
- Relax and don’t worry about chores; instead, concentrate on yourself and the baby.
- Talk to someone and/or bond with your spouse.
- Do things that you love and enjoy.
What About Postpartum Depression Treatment?
Many people do not want to admit that they are depressed. Let alone new mothers who fear being thought of as unloving to their children.
If you notice that you are displaying any PPD symptoms, do not ignore them at all. My excruciating thoughts and feelings persisted for a few months before I decided to see a doctor. It was just something I could not bear any longer.
I am so grateful that the therapy treatment for postpartum depression works so well for me. Even though I was initially hesitant to seek help for my PPD, I am proud and happy that I did.
The treatment varies depending on the symptoms. I’ll go over some of the most common types of treatments as shared by MIMS:
- Psychosocial Interventions: These are recommended for patients with mild symptoms, and can be done in person or over the phone with peer or partner support.
- Psychotherapy: For patients with moderate symptoms and those who have not responded to psychosocial interventions, this option should be considered. Cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic or insight-oriented therapy, or group therapy are all possible treatments.
- Electroconvulsive Therapy: This treatment option may be considered in women with severe depression who have not responded to medical therapy, those experiencing an acute episode of psychosis, or when patients have suicidal ideation.
- Pharmacotherapy: This entails prescribing antidepressant medication, but there are different types available for postpartum depression, so take only as directed by your healthcare provider.
One thing is certain: never self-diagnose a serious condition like this. You may be going to receive the wrong treatment and are uncertain how to proceed. It may also end up making things worse for you and the baby.
Remember, It’s Not Just You!
Whether you’re suffering from the baby blues, postpartum depression, or both, one important lesson I learned is to never even blame ourselves for having it. The same thing is being experienced by other people, and the conditions have been going on for a very long time.
It is hoped that talking about it and everyone acknowledging that new mothers are vulnerable and may experience physical and emotional disturbances, will help us moms feel better.
If you are a family member or a friend who sees a new mother struggling, reach out and lend a helping hand; you never know who you might be helping and saving from misery.
This is true not only for Postpartum Depression but for anyone suffering from any mental illness. Together, we can break the stigma and taboo surrounding mental health!
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