It's normal for a new mother, and sometimes a father, to feel a lot of change, fatigue, and sometimes sadness when they welcome their baby home. Learning to care for a newborn changes a lot in life. But is this something that can be dismissed as 'just a little sadness'? Although not everyone talks about it, postpartum depression (PPD) is more common than we think. Today, we're going to talk about some of the misconceptions that exist in society about this. It's important for you and your family to be aware of these things.
Misconception 1: "This is just a little sadness called 'Baby Blues'"
This is where many people get confused. It's normal for a mother to feel moody, sad, and tearful for the first two to three weeks after having a baby. We call this the 'Baby Blues'. This is caused by hormonal changes and goes away on its own after a few days.
However, Postpartum Depression is a much more serious and long-lasting condition.
- If you've been feeling extremely sad, anxious, or hopeless for weeks, maybe months...
- If you no longer have any interest in the things you used to enjoy doing...
- If you feel so apathetic that you don't even want to take care of your baby...
It can be more than just the 'baby blues'. So if you have these symptoms, don't just dismiss them as normal. Be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
Misconception 2: "This only happens to mothers"
No, this is completely wrong. Research has found that about 10% of new fathers, or about one in ten, may experience this condition. This risk is especially high for fathers between 3 and 6 months after having a baby.
Just think, when a mother suffers from this condition, it also has a big impact on her partner at home. If the wife has Postpartum Depression, the husband is more likely to develop it too. Therefore, it is important to understand this as an issue that affects the entire family.
Misconception 3: "This will get better on its own, it will be okay once you make up your mind"
Someone may have told you things like, "Don't be so sad," "Be strong," and "Be happy with your baby." But postpartum depression is not something that gets better just by being positive.
This is a medical condition that needs to be treated.
To be precise, this is a condition caused by an imbalance of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain. Therefore, it is difficult to recover from this without professional help. If your symptoms are getting worse, or if taking care of your baby is becoming a burden on you, it is better to talk openly about your feelings with your doctor without delay.
Your doctor may recommend the following:
- Antidepressants: If you are breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor. There are many medications that are safe for babies.
- Psychotherapy: Talking to a mental health counselor and learning to manage your emotions can be very helpful.
- Exercise and nutrition programs: A balanced diet and light exercise can also help control symptoms.
Misconception 4: "I see and hear things that aren't there"
This is a very confusing and dangerous misconception. Seeing things that are not there (visual hallucinations), hearing things that are not there (auditory hallucinations), or being unusually suspicious of others (paranoia) are not symptoms of postpartum depression.
These are symptoms of a very rare but very serious condition called postpartum psychosis . This condition requires immediate medical attention. The table below will help you understand the differences between these three conditions.
| Characteristic | 'Baby Blues' | Postpartum Depression (PPD) | Postpartum Psychosis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonness | Very common | Common | Very rare and serious |
| Main features | Feeling angry, sad, or tearful (less than 2 weeks) | Extreme sadness, hopelessness, loss of joy in anything, thinking that you are a bad parent (lasting more than 2 weeks) | Seeing/hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), delusions, extreme confusion, thoughts of harming yourself or the baby |
| What to do | Rest and family support. It will heal on its own. | Definitely see a doctor. You need treatment. | This is a medical emergency! Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of harming themselves or their baby, don't hide it. It is a medical emergency . Please go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Misconception 5: "This makes you a bad parent"
This is the misconception that will bring you the greatest pain, but one that you must definitely forget.
Postpartum Depression is not a weakness on your part, nor is it a sign that you are a bad mother/father. It is an illness. Just like diabetes or high blood pressure, it is a condition that needs to be treated. You did not do this to yourself.
In fact, thinking, "I'm a failure," "I'm not a good parent," is a symptom of this disease. So don't let those thoughts control you. The best way to be a good parent is to realize that you need help and ask for it. Talk to your doctor, your partner, or someone you trust about what's on your mind. You are not alone.
Take-Home Message
- There are two conditions called 'baby blues', a temporary sadness, and Postpartum Depression (PPD). PPD definitely requires medical advice.
- This condition can occur in both mothers and fathers.
- PPD is not something that can be cured by simply changing your mind. It is a treatable medical condition.
- This is not your fault or a sign that you are a bad parent. It is part of the illness. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, it could be a sign of a serious condition called Postpartum Psychosis. This is a medical emergency and you should go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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