Suffering in Silence
How many new moms have felt like they were not allowed to express their personal challenges when entering motherhood? How many of us as mothers feel that we’re supposed to be able to manage all the new expectations and new duties without asking for help? How many of us feel shame or guilt for not being able to figure it all out on your own? These challenges are all normal and many mothers have similar experiences. Unfortunately, not all mothers can access safe spaces in which they can openly share their personal experiences within their new role as a mother.
Perinatal mental health challenges usually occur during pregnancy or within the first year of having a child. One perinatal mental health challenge that is prevalent among new mothers is postpartum depression. Some of the common terms that many individuals might hear when discussing postpartum depression are ppd, postnatal depression or postpartum blues. All terms can be used to describe the rapid change in moods during and after pregnancy. However, symptoms of postpartum depression and postpartum blues may look like a change in one’s mood which is common within the first week of giving birth. Some of the symptoms that may be experienced during postpartum depression are sadness, restlessness, guilt, unexplained weight changes, insomnia , frequent crying, irrational fears, irritability, low energy, lack of motivation, and negative feelings of self-worth. The post-partum “blues” refer to a shorter time span of these mood changes usually occurring within the first 6 weeks of giving birth. However, these mood changes can be considered postpartum depression when the changes in one’s mood, level of irritability and and/or anxiety is still present after the first 6 weeks.
Postpartum depression can interfere with a mother’s capability of being able to care for their child and attend to their own self-care. A mother might have a difficult time completing basic daily tasks such as brushing their teeth, taking a shower, eating and other self-care and hygiene routines. A lack of routine and a lack of support plays a major role in the onset of perinatal mental health challenges of a mother. A major part of managing postpartum depression is the support system one has. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to a support system. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help such as therapy to find the best strategies to navigate these challenges during the early stages of motherhood.
Another important factor to consider when experiencing challenges with postpartum depression is educating yourself on postpartum depression. Not only does this allow new mothers to normalize the overwhelming feels of stress and anxiety, but this also gives women a safe space to express these feelings. Many mothers also suffer in silence with these challenges due to feelings of shame and guilt that sometimes comes with the onset of postpartum depression. Having a support system that makes you feel safe enough to discuss the challenges that you are currently experiencing while navigating motherhood has been shown to play a key role in better coping mechanisms for mothers. As mentioned earlier, many mothers suffer in silence due to not being aware of how common it is for mothers to experience these symptoms. When exploring preventative measures, ensuring social support and awareness on ppd being explored by both mother and support systems. Having individuals around you who are active in taking turns in attending to baby not only allows mothers to take time to regulate their emotions but allows the mother time to sufficiently attend to her own personal needs before going back to attend for baby.
Other contributing factors to postpartum depression can also consist of a family history of mental health. Individuals that have a family history of mental health challenges are more likely to experience postpartum depression during and post- pregnancy. Considering all of these factors during and after pregnancy are important to acknowledge in order to find the best tools to implement while trying to navigate motherhood with postpartum depression. Ways in which you can manage these challenges consist of implementing and following a new routine. Becoming a new mother means many life changes such as setting new and realistic goals and routines for yourself and your newborn. The same routines that one may have followed before having a baby may no longer work with a newborn and new role as a mother. It is important for mothers to utilize the support system that they do have to show up in the best and most effective way for baby.
References: Piotrowski, N.A., Benson, A.K. (2023). “Postpartum depression.” https://research.ebsco.com/c/4ax45t/viewer/html/aszg5sixuf