Read how Sasha dealt with PPD with the help of our Post Partum Depression doctor.
I am Sasha, and I have been married for two years now. I always wanted to have a child, but I could not conceive in the first year due to some disturbing events.
But then we saw a ray of hope, and I finally got pregnant. We were so excited and looking forward to the time when our baby would be born. I couldn’t wait to hold him.
My husband and I were having a beautiful time until Jackson was born, and Post Partum Depression (PPD) started suddenly.
After giving birth, I felt hollow inside. I couldn’t stop feeling sad.
I remember the first time I was alone with Jackson in the hospital. Whenever he would cry, I would also start crying and think, “I am failing as a mother. I don’t know what to do!’
I was feeling so stupid all the time. Here I was, a mother, and I had no idea how to take care of my son.
For some reason, I would always get anxious at night or when I was alone with my baby. But, I never told my husband because I didn’t want him to think I was crazy.
I was anything but happy, and my husband had started noticing it as well. He tried to support me when I would cry at night, but I couldn’t figure out what was wrong.
I realized I was ignoring my baby.
Jackson used to cry even beside me, and I felt like I had given up.
I realized my baby boy was being ignored, which worsened my mental and emotional health, and I was in a depressing situation.
Your Doctors Online diagnosed me with Post Partum Depression (PPD).
My husband counselled me to seek help. He wanted to know what was wrong with me, and so did I. So, he downloaded Your Doctors Online. Then, I started talking to Dr Fariah Hanif and explained my condition.
I cried while telling her my symptoms, and she was very supportive. I told her how I felt since Jackson was born and worried that this feeling wouldn’t go away.
She guided me very well and told me I was suffering from Postpartum depression (PPD), which I never knew was even a thing!!
Furthermore, she told me that postpartum depression is prevalent in new mothers and that I should not ignore it. Therefore, there was no harm in seeking help from a Postpartum depression doctor to avoid any complications.
She also told me how untreated postpartum depression could last for months or longer and sometimes become a chronic depressive disorder.
With the help of a Post Partum Depression doctor, I overcame my symptoms.
Dr Fariha gave me a form to fill out to see the intensity and nature of the disease, and after that, I realized how much I was suffering.
She told me that if I had not asked for help at this stage, there would have been complications and gave me some medications. I was also given monthly appointments to see my progress.
Meanwhile, whenever I had anxiety or suicidal thoughts, I would go back to Your Doctor Online application for help. Assistance is available 24/7, all you have to do is download the app and get connected.
The online Post Partum Depression doctor helped me get through the most challenging phase of my life, and now here I am, feeling happier and better.
I thought I would never get out of how I was feeling, but thanks to the doctors at Your Doctors Online, I feel better day by day.
Information on Post Partum Depression (PPD) added by Dr Fariha Hanif.
What is Post Partum Depression?
Postpartum depression is when new mothers usually feel anxious and sad.
After childbirth, a dramatic drop of hormones in the body may contribute to postpartum depression. The mother herself recognizes the signs and symptoms. She may cry a lot, worry a lot, prefer to stay alone, and is usually preoccupied with thoughts. This is very common amongst women these days.
Postpartum depression affects about 15% of women around childbirth.
How long does Post Partum Depression last?
Postpartum depression usually doesn’t always go away on its own. So it’s crucial to seek help if it is disrupting sleep or to cause more worry than usual.
It then depends upon the stage how long does it last. With help and treatment, it may gradually go away with time, taking around three to nine months.
Post-Partum Depression Complications.
If PPD is left untreated, it may result in psychosis, thus leading to havoc on the mother and the baby; hence it is better to seek help as soon as a mother starts feeling low. She may talk to her husband and tell him about her feelings. They both are in this together. The more the mother shares, the earlier she will recover.
- It may result in chronic depression, if left untreated
- Increased chances of future depression
- It affects the development of the child
- Mother might develop suicidal tendencies
Treatment options for PPD.
Treatment options either include sessions with a counsellor or medications. But, again, that depends upon the stage and extent.
- Psychotherapy
- Self-care is essential:
Talk with your loved ones about your problem
Try to follow a healthy routine
Engage yourself in different tasks that make you happy
- Medication: Usually, anti-depressants may help in the long run.
