Understanding and Supporting Women during Post-Partum Depression- Why Women Must Prioritize their Mental Wellbeing
If you have recently become a mother to a newborn, the odds are high that you might be battling with post-partum depression- a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness and emotional tumult often attributed to hormonal changes following childbirth. Research shows that post-partum depression affects around 1 in 8 women worldwide, with a higher prevalence among women from low-income and minority groups.
This medical condition usually arises during the first year post-partum- and is quite different from “baby blues,” a short-lived emotional phase that lasts up to two weeks following childbirth. Post-partum depression not only hinders a mother’s ability to look after herself and her newborn but can have more severe and long-lasting implications, such as mood swings, heightened irritability and anxiety, fatigue, unexplained pain, sleep disturbances, trouble bonding with the baby, intrusive thoughts and social withdrawal.
World Mental Health Day: Prioritizing Maternal Mental Health
October 10 marks World Mental Health Day— a global effort to foster awareness about mental health risks and mobilize action to endorse and protect “mental health as a universal human right.” This day also serves as a poignant reminder of why we need to acknowledge and address the unique mental health challenges encountered by new mothers and why equitable, accessible, and affordable mental health care services and support are paramount.
At ImamConnect, we have a team of Mental Health Coaches, Post-Partum Care Specialists, and Hormonal Health Coaches who assist new mothers in navigating the joys and struggles of motherhood, such as post-partum recovery, maternal mental health challenges, pain management, proper self-care and newborn care.
Destigmatizing Post-Partum Depression
Even though mental health challenges are one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the US, signs and symptoms of post-partum depression are often overlooked by Muslim women due to lack of medical understanding, cultural nuances, associated stigma, and familial pressure. This complex web of barriers not only prevents Muslim women from speaking about their motherhood experiences but also deters them from seeking professional support to manage their PPD symptoms.
Bringing a child into this world is indubitably one of the most gratifying experiences for a Muslim woman, yet it can also be incredibly daunting and overwhelming. There is a general expectation that the new mother must exude gratitude and happiness, and prioritize nurturing their newborn above all else. However, we are still not ready to demystify the challenging emotions that accompany motherhood and how difficult it is to open up about these experiences.
Navigating Post-Partum Challenges
Motherhood not only encompasses joy, boundless love, and selflessness but is also marked by self-doubt, sleepless nights, and a silent post-partum struggle. The journey of embracing motherhood starts with acknowledging the fact that post-partum depression is real and not a façade to escape from your motherly responsibilities- and can affect any women, regardless of religion, socio-economic background, age, or ethnicity.
In addition, integrating self-care practices and developing effective coping mechanisms are critical to ward off the aftermath of post-partum depression. To reduce stress, it’s essential to dedicate a specific time of the day to rejuvenate yourself and engage in self-care rituals. Practicing mindfulness can be a powerful tool for managing stress, improving sleep patterns, regulating emotions, and deepening your bond with your child
Don’t hesitate to ask your partner or a family member to look after your newborn so you can enjoy some quality time in solitude. Remember, the key lies in sharing parenting responsibilities equally, allowing your partner to actively participate in the nurturing and rearing process. Also, never compare your parenting journey to that of others.
Remember, every individual’s experience is unique, and it’s important to be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself for your shortcomings and all those negative emotions you have been battling courageously. Remember, self-care is not a selfish act- rather a stepping stone that can help you become the best version of yourself for your child.
End the Silent Struggle: Seek Support
Seeking professional help for mental health challenges is becoming increasingly common in the Muslim world, yet post-partum depression remains relatively inconspicuous due to associated shame and guilt. It is crucial to remember that seeking professional support to navigate the complexities of motherhood is not a sign of weakness and does not diminish your revered stature.
At ImamConnect, we have a team of mental health coaches, therapists, and counsellors who offer tailored treatments and therapies to help you cope with post-partum depression and navigate the emotional and psychological challenges intertwined with motherhood. Whether you are dealing with increased stress or anxiety or finding it difficult to juggle the overwhelming pressure of being a new mom, our team is here to assist you every step of the way so you can thrive and heal emotionally and physically.
In addition, our dedicated post-partum recovery coaches assist you in better understanding the physical changes that your body undergoes after childbirth, equipping you with the right tools and insights to effectively address challenges related to infant care, breastfeeding, and post-partum nutrition.
So what are you waiting for? Book a counselling session now and let our experts help you embrace the ups and downs and the highs and lows of this profound and transformative journey.
