Post Partum Depression disorder: A Hidden Epidemic?

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Summary

In recent times more often the joy of motherhood is increasingly darkened by postpartum depression disorder (PPD). PPD is similar to depression. It occurs when women who gave birth feel emotionally and physically exhausted with or without any definite reason, and in this state, they can be driven to an emotional breakdown. The condition usually develops several weeks after pregnancy and can last up to 1.5-2 years. Many women conceal the fact that they have PPD, due to social phenomena like misconception, ignorance, and prejudice. Since childbirth is generally perceived by society as a happy occasion, many find it hard to understand that it may cause traumatic experiences as well. The main purpose of the study to increase awareness of postpartum depression disorder.

The hypothesis of the study is based on a recent meta-analysis which claims that 20% of mothers experience clinical depression after childbirth. This study has a cross-sectional design, and in order to test the hypothesis, an electronic questionnaire was created. The participants were recruited through a convenience sample from Facebook social media in October 2020. The results showed that the number of women who struggled with PPD was higher than the hypothesis states (41.8%). Moreover, the concealing of PPD symptoms can be seen by some of the given answers as well. Only 10.7% of women were officially diagnosed with PDD, yet 41.8% of women stated that they concealed the fact that they had depression after childbirth. Society has many various stereotypes and social stigma which may force new mothers to hide their depression. My research shows that the social stigma due to PDD is having a real impact on mothers in our community. Community efforts to combat this stigma are needed.