NEGLECT AND MENTAL HEALTH - A WOMAN’S STRUGGLE WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
WHO IS A WOMAN:
A woman is a prayer warrior, a fighter, the embodiment of understanding and patience, a peacemaker, a cheerleader, and a backbone. She is the silent strength that holds the family together, the unsung hero who sacrifices her comfort for the well-being of others. As a wife, she is the partner who stands by her husband through thick and thin. As a mother, she is the nurturing force that shapes the future. A woman’s heart is vast, her resilience is boundless, and her love is unconditional.
THE JOURNEY OF MOTHERHOOD:
The cry of a baby is cherished in our society, while the mother's struggle to bring that life into the world is often inadvertently overlooked. Women experience unanticipated physical discomfort, swelling limbs, morning sickness, stress, interrupted sleep and sleepless nights for months while they are pregnant. They manage their homes and take care of their husbands while navigating uncomfortable situations and mood swings. The labour room can presents unique difficulties such as trauma, extreme labour pain, loss of blood, fear, and anxiety, tears and cuts, invasion and so on. Whether giving birth naturally or by caesarean section, it is a difficult procedure that leaves many women emotionally and physically traumatised.
THE SILENT STRUGGLE POST-DELIVERY
Following the birth, it is not unusual for all the attention she was used to getting while pregnant to suddenly be directed toward the infant, neglecting her and she notices and feels this. This new status quo hits her hard and leaves her in shock with memories flying randomly and negative emotions starting to grow in her. Even though she is still recovering from giving birth, she still has to endure seemingly endless restless nights caring for and nursing her baby. Physical and mental wounds from childbirth never fully heal. Her spouse, her biggest supporter and comforter frequently fails to affirm her efforts, which puts her at risk for postpartum depression.
THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF NEGLECT
Neglecting new mothers can have serious repercussions. Physically and emotionally, they struggle to adjust to their new duties. A lack of support can cause emotions of isolation, sadness, and resentment towards her husband, her baby and others. The link between husband and wife can get worse, harming the family's harmony. When the husband and family fail to provide adequate assistance, the mother feels neglected and alone. This emotional neglect might lower her self-esteem and limit her capacity to fully participate in her new position as a mother.
A CALL FOR CELEBRATION AND RESPECT
Our exceptional new mothers should not be overlooked, particularly by their husbands who is her rock, and by family and friends. They should stand by her side, honouring her sacrifices and encouraging her recovery, realising the enormous responsibility that motherhood is. Let us recognise our women more and honour their multiple responsibilities as moms and wives. They are our life' hidden heroines, and they should be cherished every day.
CONCLUSION
A woman's inner strengths and selflessness are profoundly demonstrated by her role as a mother. She should not be neglected after experiencing the ordeal of childbirth because her emotional wounds may become more amplified as a result of her husband’s and family's lack of appreciation, making her feel alone and unappreciated. A woman must be respected and loved, her challenges must be acknowledged, and we must provide constant support. Only then can we genuinely honour a woman. By doing this, we support her and fortify the foundation of our families for a greater society.
- Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation Editorial Team