1 in 8 Moms Suffer with Postpartum Depression — But Why Are So Few Talking About It?

By Dr. Yashvi Singh

When I reflect on my early days as a new mom, I remember a blur of sleepless nights, endless cuddles, and the steady hum of worry that comes with caring for a tiny human. My journey didn’t include postpartum depression, but as my daughter grew and I connected with more mothers, I realized how many women quietly shoulder this heavy burden.

The Quiet Reality So Many Face

You hear a lot about the “baby blues,” that emotional rollercoaster most of us ride for a week or two after birth. I had my share of teary moments, but they faded as routines settled. For some of my friends, though, the sadness lingered and deepened. It wasn’t something they could just “snap out of.” I learned that about one in eight mothers develops postpartum depression (CDC, 2024).

That’s not a rare occurrence; it’s a crisis hiding in plain sight.

Why Don’t We Talk About It?

In our culture, new motherhood is painted as a time of pure joy. The reality is often messier. I’ve watched friends struggle to admit they weren’t okay, even to themselves. There’s a fear of being labelled  a “bad mom” or seeming ungrateful. I remember one friend, usually the life of the party, quietly confessing that she felt numb and disconnected from her baby. She was terrified to say it out loud, worried about judgment.

The Difference Between Baby Blues and PPD

It’s important to draw a line between the normal ups and downs of new motherhood and something more serious. Baby blues are common and short-lived. Postpartum depression is different. It can last for months and make it hard to function, to bond, even to get out of bed some days. It can sneak up on anyone, regardless of how much support they have or how much they love their child.

The Ripple Effect

Postpartum depression doesn’t just impact the mother. It can strain marriages, affect other children in the family, and even influence a baby’s development. The silence around it only makes things worse. When we don’t talk about it, mothers feel isolated, convinced they’re alone in their struggle.

MedBound Times reached out to Dr. Diksha Agarwal, MD OBGYN, Jhansi Medical College, for her thoughts treatment for postpartum depression:

What Help Looks Like

I wish every new mom knew it’s okay to ask for help. Sometimes that means talking to a doctor, sometimes it’s leaning on a friend or partner. Support groups, therapy, and even just honest conversations can make a world of difference. I’ve seen friends come through the darkness of PPD stronger, but only after they reached out and found the help they needed.

How We Can All Make a Difference

If you’re a new mom reading this and struggling, please believe me: “You’re not alone, and it’s not your fault.” And if you’re a friend or family member, check in on the moms in your life. Don’t just ask about the baby, but also ask how she’s really doing. Listen without judgment. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to help someone feel seen.

Motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also hard. By breaking the silence around postpartum depression, we can make it just a little bit easier for the moms who need it most.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Depression Among Women.” CDC. Last reviewed November 10, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/depression/index.html.

2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Postpartum Mood Disorders: What New Moms Need to Know.” Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/postpartum-mood-disorders-what-new-moms-need-to-know.

3. Shorey, Shefaly, and Chan Lai Kwok. “Postpartum Depression and the Role of Maternal Self-Efficacy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 24 (2022): 16879. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9851410/.

4. Bjertrup, Anne J., Signe M. Kristensen, Christian K. Madsen, et al. “Prediction of Postpartum Depression and Stress from a Self-Reported Questionnaire Administered Immediately after Delivery.” Scientific Reports 12 (2022): 3873. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-07248-7.

5. Lin, Bai-Syun, Yu-Shan Lin, Kuan-Hsuan Chen, et al. “Risk of Postpartum Depression and Associated Factors in Taiwan: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.” BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 22 (2022): Article 894. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36465774/.

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