Having a baby is one of the most life-changing things that can possibly happen to a person. Most of the time, having a baby changes everything in only the best ways. And while this is true in most cases, there are some circumstances where, despite the common emotions and experiences had by new mothers (and fathers, for that matter), women suffer from PND nor (postnatal depression). In short, PND is a type of depression that some new mothers experience after the birth of their child. While doctors are not entirely sure what causes PND, it is widely believed that it is at least partially the result of the hormonal changes, fatigue, and psychological adjustment to motherhood – either for the first time, or as a woman who already has other children.
In some cases, PND can be treated with simple therapy sessions and medications. Some women have an easier time finding their way out of their PND than others do. For the women who find it more difficult to cope with their PND, it becomes necessary to actively pursue more targeted treatment options like TMS Therapy Some new mothers do not respond as well – if at all – to standard treatments, and this is when therapies like TMS Therapy become the next logical stepping stone for finding a treatment that genuinely works for them. While there are many treatments for PND available – and more emerging – many women feel guilty and resistant to even be open about their struggles. This is a truly terrifying reality, and it is one that must change. We must be more willing to be understanding, open, and willing to help.
It is a sad reality that there has always been, and still is, a stigma nor surrounding PND. The statistics in the USA alone are staggering. 1 in 7 new mothers experience postnatal depression in the US, while 1 in 4 at-risk mothers living in poverty or otherwise challenging environments experience PND. And these are just the numbers openly reported – many women do not seek help or open up about their mental health struggles at all. Despite these harrowing statistics, there is not enough treatment happening to assist women struggling with postnatal depression. This is an incredibly serious illness, and many women feel afraid to speak up about their feelings. This is where the problem snowballs.
Health is important to maintain for anyone, but it is especially true for expectant or new mothers. Ensuring an expectant or new mom’s health nor is crucial not just for her own wellbeing, but also that of her child. PND is a brutal sickness. Through no fault of their own, these new moms are not in control of their mental health. The risks associated with that lack of control can be damaging and even fatal – for not only the mother, but her baby. The thoughts that go through a new mum’s mind when she experiences PND are terrifying, and unless an individual has experienced PND for themselves, it is next to impossible to truly understand the impact it has, the toll it takes.
Written by Guest Author for The Healthy Moms Magazine and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.