5 Ways in Which New Moms Can Defeat Postpartum Depression

5 Ways in Which New Moms Can Defeat Postpartum Depression

A per Dr Riya Gupta, those with PPD can face extreme loneliness, sadness, mood swings, a feeling of guilt for not being able to take care of the newborn, and in severe cases, self-harm thoughts.

Many mothers initially blame themselves or feel guilty for not being “happy enough.” But PPD is a medical condition, not a personal failure, and the journey through it should be a story of strength, healing, and hope, adds Dr Gupta.

5 ways in which mothers can defeat postpartum depression and emerge victorious:

1) Recognizing It's More Than Just Sadness

A mother of two, who didn't want to be named, noted that initially, the signs were subtle. “I thought I was just tired or adjusting to being a new mom again. But weeks went by, and I did not feel like myself at all.”

She added that there was a constant anxious state, where she was emotionally numb, and cried for no reason. Eventually, her partner suggested that it might be something more.

Hence, it's paramount to recognize the symptoms at first, which is the hardest step, says Dr Riya Gupta.

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2) Reaching Out for Help

Dr Riya Gupta points out that support for a new mom can come from her partner, family, friends, or support groups. Like, a first-time mother credits a local support group for playing a catalyst in her healing.

"Just hearing other women say they felt the same way changed everything. I did not feel crazy anymore," she says.

Supporting each other and communicating with your loved ones can always reduce the burden of emotional instability. Women can also seek help from professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists, as therapy can give them the necessary tools to understand their emotions and break negative thought patterns and overcome PPD.

3) Finding Strength in Routine

Daily routines become lifelines for many mothers battling PPD. Simple habits like morning walks, journaling, oreventaking 10 minutes to breathe can make a big difference. “I started with just getting out of bed and brushing my hair,” recalls a woman who struggled with PPD after her second child. “It sounds silly, but those tiny victories added up.”

Regular exercise, nutritious meals, and sleep hygiene are often neglected afterchildbirth. Finding the strength to start again is key to recovery. Though not always easy, consistency can give new mothers a sense of control, confidence, and self-esteem, highlights Dr Riya Gupta.

4) Medication Without Shame

For some, though, therapy is not enough. A teacher and mother of twins resisted the idea of medication for months until she couldn't.

“I thought taking antidepressants meant I was weak. But eventually, I realized that my brain needed help just like my body would need medicine for an infection,” she narrates. After starting treatment under a psychiatrist's supervision, she noticed gradual improvements and was able to engage more fully in her life and with her children.

There is still a stigma around psychiatric medication, especially for new mothers, but for many, it is a necessary and life-changing part of their recovery, points out Dr Riya Gupta.

5) Leaning Into Community and Faith

Many women found healing through community or support groups, mindfulness practice, and creative outlets. A mother of a single child joined a neighbourhood knitting group while others turned to meditation or support groups.

“Just sitting quietly and repeating a mantra helped me feel grounded,” shares a woman who battled PPD for nearly a year. Connection- whether creative or social- proved to be a powerful antidote to isolation. It can help you become more aware of your surroundings and be mindful.

In the end, Dr Riya Gupta highlights that every mother's path and journey with PPD is "different and unique, but you are not alone, and it gets better with time."

Today, many women (who tackled PPD) are thriving, not because they avoided struggle, but because they faced it head-on with courage and support. If you are someone who is struggling with postpartum depression, talk to your loved ones or seek professional help. "Help is available everywhere, healing is possible, and it will help you in the long run," wraps up Dr Riya Gupta.

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