“You must be so happy!” everyone seems to say this to a new mom. What if she isn’t? What if joy never came?
Postpartum depression doesn’t always look dramatic. It hides in silence. It’s more common than most people think.
A Story You’ve Probably Never Heard
Ritika had always been strong. She managed a fast-paced job in Mumbai, married the love of her life, and glowed during pregnancy. The baby arrived. Everyone celebrated.
But within days, things changed. She couldn’t sleep. Even when the baby did. She felt... nothing. No joy. No tears. Just blankness.
Feeding became a chore. Holding her daughter felt like carrying someone else’s child. She kept it to herself. Told her husband she was just tired. Told her mother she was fine.
Weeks passed. She smiled in family photos. Shared baby updates in WhatsApp groups.
But inside, she was sinking.
The Truth Behind the Joy
According to WHO (World Health Organization), postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 women globally. In some countries, it’s higher.
Still, it's barely spoken of.
Hormonal changes are often blamed. But it’s not just biology. Sleep deprivation, pressure to “bounce back,” and isolation make it worse.
In Ritika’s case, everyone assumed motherhood came naturally. It didn’t.
One day, she broke down while folding baby clothes. No reason. No warning. That’s when her husband noticed.
With support, therapy, and time—she healed. But she still wonders why no one warned her.
Why no one said: “It’s okay to not be okay.”
What You Should Know
● PPD is not weakness. It’s a medical condition.
● It usually begins anytime within a year after giving birth.
● Sadness, numbness, anxiety, guilt, irritability, and occasionally, separation from the
infant are seen in new moms.
Postpartum Anxiety or OCD is also seen in women.
● Fathers can experience it too, though less frequently.
What makes it dangerous is the silence. Most women don’t seek help. They fear judgment. Or,
they don’t even realize it’s depression.
Hope Doesn’t Mean Perfection
Treatment works. Therapy, support groups, medication—whatever is needed, recovery is
possible. But awareness must come first.
Healthcare providers must screen new mothers—routinely. Families need to ask, “How are you,
really?” Not just about the baby. About the mother.
Please Seek Help if Needed!
Ritika is one of many. You may know someone just like her. A sister. A friend. A colleague.
Not all wounds bleed. Some just sit quietly inside—until someone notices. Postpartum
depression isn’t rare. It’s just rarely spoken of.
And maybe, it’s time that changed.