Postpartum Depression (PPD): Breaking the Silence on Maternal Mental Health

Becoming a mother is often thought of as a joyful experience, but for many, the days that follow are filled with unanticipated feelings of loneliness, grief, and even being overlooked by their own families. Postpartum Depression is a major mental health concern that affects 13–19% of women who have recently become mothers. PPD is more common than many realize, regardless of age or the resources available (O’Hara & McCabe, 2013). According to the APA, approximately 1 in 7 women experience Postpartum Depression and rates can be even higher for women in underserved areas (Postpartum Depression, n.d.). In contrast to the brief “baby blues” that include mood swings, crying, and irritation in the initial days following birth, PPD is more severe and usually starts within a few days after baby is born and can last for years (Postpartum Depression – Symptoms and Causes, n.d.).

A total PPD rate of 42% has been reported in research, which is consistent with estimates for adolescent mothers. High PPD rates are also reported among people with and without resources (specifically, individuals with fewer than two years of college experience and those with at least two years of college experience) (Postpartum Depression among Adolescent Mothers, n.d.).

Despite being prevalent, it frequently goes untreated because of stigma, ignorance, or symptom misinterpretation. This stigma is deeply rooted in both medical systems and cultural norms. Many people are discouraged from getting help because they are afraid of being called a “bad mother” or worse of losing custody of their child. Many cases go undetected or untreated, which can have long-term effects on both the mother and the child (Stigma Remains a Barrier to Mental Health Care – CMHA National, n.d.). Postpartum depression is a medical disease, not a personal failure, and we need to normalize discussions about it.

Symptoms associated with PPD

The symptoms of postpartum depression might vary from woman to woman and can take many different forms (Postpartum Depression: Cleveland Clinics n.d.; Postpartum Depression – Mayo Clinics, n.d.). Signs that are common include:

• Emotional symptoms include mood swings, weeping fits, anxiety, irritation, and persistent melancholy without a clear explanation. Additionally, a lot of women say they feel emotionally detached or emotionally numb from their child.
• Cognitive symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, overwhelming guilt, or trouble focusing and making decisions.
• Behavioral symptoms include difficulty bonding with the infant, social disengagement, changes in food or sleep patterns, and a loss of interest in once-enjoyable hobbies. In extreme situations, some women may experience intrusive thoughts, including fear of harming themselves or their baby. These symptoms are a medical emergency and not reflective of a parent’s character or intentions.

Risk Factors and Causes

Postpartum Depression doesn’t arise from a single cause; it involves a combination of physical, mental and social factors. One of the most significant biological contributors is the dramatic hormonal drop after childbirth, especially the levels of progesterone and estrogen, which can cause mood swings in women (Author, 2024). Additionally, PPD is more likely to develop in women who have had any personal or family history of anxiety, depression or other mental conditions (Author, 2024). 

Social circumstances also play a major role. Feelings of loneliness or helplessness can be exacerbated by painful delivery experiences, financial strains and most importantly, lack of support from a partner or family members (Moms Share What Postpartum Depression Really Feels Like, n.d.). Women may also feel inadequate when their reality does not align with idealized narratives of motherhood due to cultural and societal pressures, such as the assumptions that they would “bounce back” or bond with the child right away (Allen, 2024).

Diagnosis and Treatment 

Getting help for PPD is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are efficient treatments that can greatly enhance one’s quality of life (Postpartum Depression – Mayo Clinics n.d.).

• Therapy, the initial line of treatment, particularly interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 
• Antidepressant medications can also be prescribed, depending on the severity and individual medical history.
• Getting help from organizations like NAMI–being involved in the peer support groups can help people feel less alone by providing connection and validations.
• Lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and engaging in moderate physical activity along with clinical treatment.

It is crucial to include routine screening in postpartum checks as a normal component of material care.

What can we do?

As a family member or society, we play an important role in a mother’s healing process. Family, partners and friends can help by learning more about PPD and offering support free from judgement. Little gestures of compassion and support, like helping a mother in taking care of a child, appreciating her efforts, or just listening to her without trying to ‘fix’, affirming that it’s okay to not feel okay, can provide emotional relief and prevent her from feeling ashamed or isolated.

More broadly, society needs to accept and raise awareness about PPD through campaigns and education, especially in schools, offices and healthcare settings, or prenatal classes. In my opinion, everyone should prioritize mental health resources, expand equitable access to care, with more focus on underserved and rural communities, and have access to workplace accommodations like flexible scheduling or offering hybrid or work from home. Additionally, we can encourage partners to take parental leave, which helps share caregiving responsibilities and improves emotional outcomes for both parents.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Healing becomes more than just possible when a mother’s experience is recognized, when she is genuinely heard, supported, and surrounded by people who understand her. Postpartum depression is common, serious, and treatable. We must encourage open discussions, make improvements in networks of support, and seek to modify policies to better meet the needs of new mothers. Everyone has a part to play, whether it’s through community outreach, healthcare reform, or just listening.

No woman should face it alone. No mother should suffer in silence.

References:

1. 6 Moms Share What Postpartum Depression Really Feels Like. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2025, https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/postpartum/moms-what-postpartum-depression-really-feels-like/ 
2. Allen, D. S. (2024, May 22). Reclaiming Your Sense of Identity When You Are A Mom. Dr. Sarah Allen Counseling. https://drsarahallen.com/reclaiming-identity-when-a-mom/ 
3. Author, F. (2024, November 21). Hormone imbalance after pregnancy: Signs, symptoms and when to seek help – Femia. Femia Health. https://femia.health/health-library/being-a-mom/recovering/hormone-imbalance-after-pregnancy/
4. O’Hara, M. W., & McCabe, J. E. (2013). Postpartum Depression: Current Status and Future Directions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 9(Volume 9, 2013), 379–407. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050212-185612
5. Postpartum Depression among Adolescent Mothers in the United States—Ballard Brief. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/postpartum-depression-among-adolescent-mothers-in-the-united-states
6. Postpartum Depression: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-postpartum-depression
7. Postpartum depression: Causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. (n.d.). https://Www.Apa.Org. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://www.apa.org/topics/women-girls/postpartum-depression
8. Postpartum depression—Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617
9. Stigma remains a barrier to mental health care with 60% of people not seeking help for fear of being labelled—CMHA National. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://cmha.ca/news/stigma-remains-a-barrier-to-mental-health-care-with-60-of-people-not-seeking-help-for-fear-of-being-labelled/