Dhwani’s Journey:

Dhwani struggled with postpartum depression after the birth of her first child. She felt overwhelmed and anxious, and she found it challenging to bond with her newborn son. She sought help from her doctor and began therapy, which helped her to manage her symptoms and develop coping strategies.

Over time, Dhwani found that connecting with other new mothers and sharing her experiences helped her to feel less alone. She joined a local mom’s group and started attending weekly playdates, which helped her to form new friendships and build a support system. Today, Dhwani is the proud mother of two children and advocates for mental health awareness for new mothers.

Swapna’s Story:

Swapna experienced postpartum depression after the birth of her second child. She felt guilty for not being able to enjoy motherhood, and she struggled with feelings of shame and inadequacy.

She struggled to cope, and every day her feelings just got worse. She failed to seek help out of fear of society. Finally, her friend Padma helped her out by making her understand that the postpartum depression that she was going through was not a personal failure.

Finally, with the help of therapy and medication, Swapna managed her symptoms and regained her sense of self. She also found that journaling and writing about her experiences helped her to process her emotions and connect with other mothers who were struggling with postpartum depression.

Today, Swapna is the author of a popular blog about motherhood, its challenges and especially about mental health. Swapna today is a vocal advocate for ending the stigma surrounding postpartum depression.

Sarah’s Path to Recovery:

Sarah too, experienced postpartum depression after the birth of her second child. She felt overwhelmed and disconnected from her family, and she struggled to find joy in her daily life. Sarah reached out to her doctor and started medication, but it was not enough to manage her symptoms.

With the encouragement of her doctor, Sarah also began practicing mindfulness and meditation. She found that taking time for herself and focusing on the present moment helped her to manage her anxiety and improve her overall well-being.

Today, Sarah is a certified yoga instructor and takes Yoga classes for new mothers. She has found that sharing her experiences and helping others to connect with their bodies and their breath has been a powerful tool for healing.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression, PPD, is a type of depression that affects women post-pregnancy. It is a common condition that affects up to 22 per cent of postpartum mothers in India. PPD can start any time after giving birth but typically begins within the first few weeks after delivery.

This blog post will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for postpartum depression.

Causes of Postpartum Depression:

The exact causes of postpartum depression are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development.

These include:

• Hormonal changes: A woman’s body goes through significant hormonal changes during pregnancy. After giving birth, these hormone levels drop rapidly, leading to mood swings and other symptoms of depression.
• Lack of sleep: Newborns require around-the-clock care, which can leave new mothers feeling exhausted and sleep-deprived. Lack of sleep can disrupt hormone levels and lead to depression.
• Stressful life events: Pregnancy and childbirth can be stressful, and new mothers may also experience other life stressors, such as financial worries, relationship problems, or health issues.
• Personal or family history of depression: Women with a personal or family history of depression may be more likely to experience PPD.
• Lack of social support: New mothers may feel isolated or unsupported, especially if they do not have family or friends to help them during this challenging time.
• Physical changes: Pregnancy and childbirth can cause physical changes in a woman’s body, such as pain, discomfort, and changes in weight or body shape. These physical changes can contribute to feelings of depression and low self-esteem.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression:

The symptoms of postpartum depression can vary from woman to woman, but they typically include:

•  Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
•  Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
•  Fatigue or loss of energy
•  Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
•  Changes in appetite or weight
•  Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or shame
•  Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
•  Irritability, restlessness, or agitation
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Lack of interest in the baby or fear of harming the baby

While some of these symptoms may be normal after giving birth, if they persist or interfere with daily life, it may be a sign of postpartum depression. To learn more about PPD, click here.

Treatment Options for Postpartum Depression:

Ayurveda can be a helpful treatment option for postpartum depression (PPD).

Here are some Ayurvedic remedies that an Ayurvedic practitioner may recommend:

• Herbal remedies: Ayurvedic herbs such as Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Shankhpushpi are believed to have a calming effect on the mind and can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Dietary changes: Ayurveda emphasises the importance of a healthy, balanced diet to support overall health and well-being. Eating foods rich in essential nutrients, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can help support the body and mind.
• Lifestyle changes: Ayurveda recommends various lifestyle changes, such as practicing yoga and meditation, getting regular exercise, and getting enough restful sleep. These practices can help reduce stress and anxiety, common triggers for PPD.
• Ayurvedic therapies: Certain Ayurvedic therapies, such as Abhyanga, oil massage, Shirodhara, pouring oil on the forehead, and Nasya, nasal administration of herbal oil, can help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support overall well-being.

Women with postpartum depression must seek professional help. With the right treatment and support, postpartum depression can be successfully managed. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, encourage them to speak to a healthcare provider today. Write to us here if you are going through any of the symptoms, mentioned here.