Mothers in Distress

The baby blues can touch everyone. But postpartum depression is a disorder that should not be taken lightly, and it can even go as far as rejecting your own child.

In an essay published on March 6 in the American magazine Glamor, model Chrissy Teigen courageously revealed that she suffered from postpartum depression. Admitting that she had no idea why she was "so unhappy," John Legend's wife shared her story a few months after her official diagnosis in order to help others.

"Getting out of bed to get to set [the Lip Sync Battle] on time was painful. My lower back throbbed; my ­shoulders—even my wrists—hurt. I didn’t have an appetite", Chrissy shared in an emotional essay that describes the difficulties she endured after giving birth to her daughter Luna.

"When I wasn’t in the studio, I never left the house. I mean, never. Not even a tiptoe outside. I’d ask people who came inside why they were wet. Was it raining? How would I know—I had every shade closed."

Chrissy was far from being alone in her struggle. 1/7 women are affected by postpartum depression, according to the APA (American Psychological Association).

Maternity, some go through it badly. Anxiety, sadness, despair: you feel like you don't have this famous maternal instinct, you are ultra-sensitive, exhausted, you suffer from insomnia, you lack interest in your newborn, but most of all, there's a feeling of guilt eating you up inside. The PPD or postpartum depression is often confused with the baby blues. The latter affects half of young mothers and results in strong emotions and tears in the few days following childbirth. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is a real disorder. It usually occurs three to six weeks after childbirth and can last from three months to one year.

 

There is still hope!

The PPD can be treated. Detecting the symptom as soon as possible makes all the difference. The PPD can worsen without treatment. Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor as soon as you notice these symptoms. Rest as much as possible. Delegate the tasks that your new role as Mom demands. Talk to your spouse even if he / she has difficulty understanding what you are feeling, ask him or her to take time to adapt to the situation.

 

Must-read books

T'as le blues baby - Alessandra Sublet

Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression - Brook Shields

From baby blues to postpartum depression Poche - Katia Denard and Joséphine Lebard