Postpartum depression is real, mental health of new moms need attention

A First-time mother went through a gamut of emotions not usually linked with childbirth. She experienced bouts of anger, irritation, self-doubt and guilt about not being the "perfect" mum to her infant daughter.

She is not the only mother to have felt helpless and depressed for months after a child's birth. Contrary to the rosy picture of a mother looking fondly at the child in her arms, experts stress that many women actually go through severe anger, insomnia, self-loathing and even suicidal thoughts after giving birth.

"I felt abject helplessness. You are already dealing with a sudden drop in hormones. Top that with little or no sleep, the new responsibility of having to care for a child, post-delivery bleeding, the pain of the stitches... And then there's an immense feeling of guilt because you know that you are not being the perfect mother," a lady said.

As India observes National Safe Motherhood Day, doctors said the issue of postnatal mental health, especially postpartum depression following childbirth, remains largely ignored and under-recognised.
Talking to about postpartum depression (PPD), a gynaecologist said despite the issue being universal and experienced by "100 per cent of the mothers", there is a complete lack of interest towards the mental health of a new mother after she gives birth to a child.

"Many doctors don't talk about it at all; they don't even know about it. The whole postpartum health issue is neglected in many countries. Pregnancy management is to forewarn, recognise early symptoms and see if treatment is required," a Dr. said.

If the symptoms of postpartum depression are not recognised at an early stage, it could leave "deep scars, and also long-term relationship issues", the Dr. said.

Women suffering from postpartum depression usually show the same symptoms associated with other kinds of stress and depression such as a feeling of despair, crying for no apparent reason, being irritable, restless, oversleeping or not sleeping enough, eating too little or too much, and staying aloof from friends and family. In acute cases it can lead to self harm, or even injuries to the child.

A Psychiatrist said despite the easily identifiable symptoms, PPD was often not diagnosed.

"We will never know the actual extent of postpartum depression because there have never been any proper studies. The physician, obstetrician, gynaecologist and nurses also miss the symptoms. And since most mothers get better with time perhaps they will never be noticed. The number is far greater than what comes to notice," a Dr. said.

While the lady was supported by her husband and family, not everybody is as fortunate.
 
Another lady who also suffered from PPD when her daughter was born, said her family did not understand her situation. It's very difficult for them (family) to understand what I was going through... I could realise that I was over-reacting and tried to control as much as I could... Maybe if they had supported me that time I would have been stronger and could have come out of it faster," she said.

Even though PPD is mostly caused by a sudden change in hormone levels post-pregnancy, doctors said cultural, family, financial and other factors contributed to the condition.

"The cause is basically hormonal. But cultural problems like overfeeding after childbirth and tying down the woman to the house add to the depression, a Dr. said.

Another factor that compounds the condition of self-doubt and depression is that a woman is expected to be elated about being a mother.

"Not liking your child is a normal thing. It takes some time for the mother to start liking her child. The mother also carries a lot of guilt for that. Every woman is expected to be elated about becoming a mother. But they do feel very sad, especially for someone who has become a mother for the first time," a Dr. said.

Support from the family and intervention of counsellors and therapists, if required, can help a new mother get accustomed to the changes and her new role in life, the experts.

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Lullabies to babies help new moms with postpartum depression

Singing out loud is good for women who are suffering from postpartum depression according to an article published.

Scientists divided 134 new moms from around the world into three different groups: One took part in group singing, another took part in creative play sessions and a third group received their usual care, which could include family support, antidepressants or mindfulness observed during group sessions.

After a long observation, the scientists discovered that women who sing or write songs for their babies recover from postpartum depression faster than other moms who participate in other groups.

All the groups improved over the 10 weeks, but in the first six weeks the singing group had already reported an average 35 percent decrease in depressive symptoms.

The lead author said singing was another useful therapy to offer women.

"So these results are really exciting as they suggest that something as simple as referring mothers to community activities could support their recovery."

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How Meditation Solves Some Health Problems

We're living in jet age or space age, where one is always in a hurry, tensed, at times doesn't even have time to eat their meals on time ! In earlier times, we're lucky, I'ld say, as we had less gadgets, more time to socialise, be with family, eat healthy meals and fewer diseases. Above all, we're more religious, taking part in daily poojas / prayers at home and during festive days. Now, with nuclear families, where family ties have reduced, man hardly finds time to eat, leave alone meditate or visit any religious place. 

What is meditation? “Meditation is listening to the Divine within.” - Edgar Cayce
Another wonderful quote- 
“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless – like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” ― Bruce Lee

Some  studies were based on different types of meditation, and having some effects, such as increased compassion and social bonding, are more salient as a result of specific meditation techniques. However, my understanding and from personal experience is that any kind of authentic meditation will include most of these benefits, in one degree or another. There is also evidence that the practice will be more beneficial for you if you find a technique that you like better.

Understanding Meditation
Meditation is a type of mind-body medicine. Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation in mind. The act has been practiced for thousands of years. Today, meditation is practiced for stress reduction and relaxation.
During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of perplexed thoughts that may be causing stress in your mind. This practice may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.

Some Benefits Of Meditation-

1) Mindfulness practices decreases depression

In a study conducted at five middle schools  involving about 400 students, a researcher concludes that “students who follow an in-class mindfulness program report reduced indications of depression, anxiety and stress up to six months later. Moreover, these students were less likely to develop pronounced depression-like symptoms.”
Another study, made with patients with past depression, concluded that mindfulness meditation decreases ruminative thinking and dysfunctional beliefs.
Yet another concludes that mindfulness meditation may be effective to treat depression to a similar degree as antidepressant drug therapy”.

Meditation helps treat depression in mothers to be

High-risk pregnant women who participated in a ten-week mindfulness yoga training saw significant reductions in depressive symptoms, according to a  pilot feasibility study. The mothers-to-be also showed more intense bonding to their babies in the womb. 

2) Meditation reduces stress.
Meditation is mind without agitation,”. Stress creates agitation and is something most of us deal with on some level. And it’s increasing, given the rising use of anti-anxiety medications, notes a  researcher. Meditation allows people to take charge of their own nervous system and emotions. “Studies have shown improved ability to permanently regulate emotions in the brain,” adds a researcher. “It’s very empowering.”  

3)Improves heart and muscle functioning:  
When an individual is anxious or tensed, there is a release of cortisol and lactic acid which increases the levels of stress. The metabolism of the body is affected by these secretions. Cortisol is almost like a semi hormone that is vital for controlling metabolism. Meditation decreases the release of these chemicals and hence increase the functionality of heart and muscles.


4) Calms your mind:  
Meditation helps you to concentrate your focus on a single perception or experience, a no-thought stage, which is often detoxifying for the mind to unleash into an absolute state of rest. This is essential as it enables the body and mind to synchronize together to unravel and unwind. This state calms you from within, helps you to think about whatever problem is bothering you from a deeper elemental level and to a rational out the stretch. Your analytical perspective broadens and decisions made after that can never be wrong as it is propelled by a mature heart and a settled brain. It enriches you spiritually.

5)Mood booster:  
Meditation helps combat depression or mood swings as it helps secretion of serotonin that enhances our mood and thus works as an activity that elevates our mood. It is extremely beneficial for women to tackle Pre-Menstrual Syndrome and Menopausal mood swings.
  
6)Improves healing and cognition:  
According to extensive studies in human development and neuroscience, meditation has been proven to have clear effects on human brain and thus improve the wholesome functionality of the body. Also, it maneuvers our logical and cognitive skills. It is beneficial both mentally and physically by stimulating the brain to generate waves that bring it to the alpha state. This condition of the mind allows cell healing. 

7) Other health benefits: Meditation helps you to reduce high blood pressure, elevated levels of blood lactate, and lessen panic attacks. It reduces any pain related to tension like ulcers, headaches, muscle, and insomnia. It also improves the immune system increasing your energy levels as well.

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