The overwhelming joy that mothers feel when they feel their baby kick, or hold their baby for the first time, is spoken highly of consistently – and so it should be. But what is equally as important – and not nearly as talked about as it should be – are the mothers that struggle with postnatal depression, perinatal mood disorders, and other mental issues that some women experience after giving birth to their child. Maternal health is a global issue, with new mothers all over the world being diagnosed every day.
The stigma around the mental health issues that new mothers experience is harrowing, with one in six women experiencing issues like postpartum depression after they give birth to their children. New mums often feel afraid to be open about their feelings when they do experience feelings of discontent and depression after the birth of their child – this is when the issue tends to snowball. Adjusting to the reality of being a new parent – or the parent to another child after one’s first, for that matter – can be challenging for some more than others. Early solutions include hiring a caretaker or attending a child care center. Therapy also helps.
The importance of seeking therapy when women feel the symptoms and effects of postnatal depression and the like cannot be overstated. Moreover, there are now virtual therapy options readily available. These kinds of centres specialise in providing the best care available to mothers, with a much higher rate of time slot availability. As a new mum, one of the most trying parts of dealing with postpartum illnesses is the reality that, regardless of how the mother feels, life cannot (and does not) stop, and so responsibilities often lead to the mother feeling at a loss and quite guilty for feeling the way that she does. With this guilt weighing on her conscious, a new mother can easily put her own mental health on the backburner to care for her child. Online therapies build trust and communication with clients to ensure that the best and most appropriate level of care is given to them.
With the willingness and the expertise to help mothers understand, cope, and get the help to gain control of their mental health back, clinics offering online therapies are paving the way for mothers that might not otherwise have access to therapies and assistance. With this in mind, young mothers looking for help can rest assured that they are in the best and most capable hands.
The effects of paternal mental illnesses can be triggered from a variety of circumstances or events, including traumatic labour. What is also quite important is understanding that realities like family history and comfortability can profoundly contribute to these kinds of issues. The stigma around postnatal illnesses must be eradicated, but what is equally important is that women are made completely aware of the support systems that are available to them – not only their families and loved ones, but online therapeutic support systems as well.