With very little awareness about postpartum depression, thousands of new moms are struggling with it on a daily basis.
Scared of what people & society will think, many moms choose to suffer in silence. But some brave new moms are coming forward to discuss the ‘unspeakable’ topic of postpartum depression. And they helping drive the conversation.
There are coming forward to let other mothers not only know how to tackle baby blues but also how to overcome postpartum depression.
One such mom is Sameera Reddy.
Recently, Sameera opened about her struggle with postpartum depression in an interview with The Indian Express and we believe it is important for every new mom to read it.
When Sameera was asked about the gap between her two pregnancies, she shared how she struggled with postpartum depression and took a while to bounce back:
“Honestly, I would have liked a shorter gap, but once Hans was born, I went through postpartum depression. It took me a little while to swing out of it”
She further added:
“Looking back, perhaps it worked out for the best as Hans is a sensitive child and I was able to give him enough time, prep him for the little one’s arrival. I don’t think he would have adjusted so well to Nyra if he were two”.
Though many new moms shy away from seeking help for postpartum depression, Sameera shared that she accepted that she needed help. So, rather than suffer in silence, she took therapy and medicinal help to cope up with her condition.
“I think the first step to pulling yourself out, is to admit that there is a problem. As an actor, I was used to being in the limelight, staying svelte and slim, having a melee of people – spot boy, make-up artiste -around me. Suddenly I was out of shape, feeling exhausted and low. I’m a cheerful person otherwise.”
She further adds:
“There is a big difference between baby blues and postpartum depression. I sought help in therapy, took homeopathy treatment and worked on myself.
Cut to the present, the ease with which I confess to having experienced depression surprises many people as most are uncomfortable even admitting that they have experienced it. This needs to change.”
Knowing how motherhood could be overwhelming for new moms, Sameera advises mothers to be stress-free:
“Don’t get worked up by the ‘leftover’ weight or clothes that do not fit. Give yourself time. Never let yourself be judged by others, or pushed by others who will insist that you give a top feed to your baby at night to get him or her to sleep better. If you are lactating well, breastfeed. Follow your own instinct.”
At I FOR HER, we request every mother struggling with postpartum depression to seek help and not continue to suffer in silence.