Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 23.5% of new mothers in India—nearly 2 in every 10—yet remains one of the most underdiagnosed and untreated mental health conditions, according to experts. Symptoms are often dismissed as normal postpartum adjustments, preventing many women from seeking help.
Riya's Story: A Common but Overlooked Struggle
Riya, a 31-year-old first-time mother, delivered a healthy baby boy after a difficult pregnancy. Despite the celebrations, she felt emotionally empty. She cried frequently, struggled to sleep even when the baby slept, and constantly feared she was failing as a mother. When she voiced her concerns, her family told her this was normal after delivery. Months later, a psychologist diagnosed her with postpartum depression. With therapy and family support, Riya recovered—but earlier intervention could have spared her prolonged suffering.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
PPD is a medically recognised mental health condition affecting women after childbirth. While many mothers experience temporary mood swings, crying spells, irritability, or anxiety—often called 'baby blues'—due to hormonal changes and exhaustion, PPD persists. Symptoms such as sadness, fear, hopelessness, anxiety, anger, emotional numbness, or exhaustion that last for weeks and interfere with daily activities, mother-infant bonding, and family relationships may indicate PPD.
Why PPD Goes Unnoticed in India
Experts estimate that nearly 23.5% of new mothers in India experience PPD, but most cases remain unrecognised. Societal expectations often pressure mothers to 'adjust' immediately after delivery—managing breastfeeding, baby care, physical recovery, and household duties. This pressure discourages women from expressing emotional distress. Many mothers feel guilty admitting they are struggling, as society expects them to feel joyful. Neha, a 35-year-old working mother affected by PPD, says comparisons with older mothers who 'raised kids without fuss' worsened her anxiety. She began avoiding everyone, as her feelings of being overwhelmed and fearful were dismissed as overreactions.
Recognising PPD Symptoms
Key symptoms include persistent sadness or crying, extreme exhaustion beyond normal tiredness, anxiety, panic, irritability, or anger, emotional detachment from the baby, difficulty sleeping even when the baby sleeps, guilt, hopelessness, or fear of being a 'bad mother', avoiding social interactions, and emotional withdrawal or loss of interest in daily life. If these symptoms continue for more than two weeks, professional help should be sought.
How Families Can Help
Families should avoid comparing or dismissing a new mother's feelings. Instead, they should offer rest, reassurance, emotional safety, and practical help—such as assisting with baby care, housework, regular medical check-ups, or simply allowing her to rest or sleep. Encouraging professional help without shame is crucial. PPD is treatable, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Treatment may include counselling and lifestyle changes, with active family support when needed. Recovery requires time, patience, and understanding.
The Dangers of Ignoring PPD
Untreated PPD harms both mother and baby. It affects the mother's post-birth recovery, mother-infant bonding, the baby's growth, and overall family relationships. Some studies indicate that PPD contributes to increased infant mortality rates and maternal mortality and morbidity risks. Awareness and professional intervention are essential to address this silent crisis.
— The writer is Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Cloudnine Hospital, Panchkula
