You just had a baby. Everyone expects you to smile, to glow. But inside, you feel empty, anxious, or like crying for no reason. No one wants to talk. But I won’t stay silent. It’s time we talked about postpartum depression in Pakistan with honesty
Motherhood is often romanticized in our culture. In Pakistan, we are taught to celebrate birth with sweets, smiles, and prayers. But for many mothers, behind the smiles is a silent battle. It’s called postpartum depression (PPD) and it’s more common than most people realize.
The intensity and nature of PPD can vary from person to person. The mother under mental stress also influences all the relationships around her. A mentally and physically strong mother maintains a healthy family and a healthy society.
In Pakistan, talking about such mental health issues is still seen as shameful. This guide highlights the reality and impact of PPD so that society not only understands this issue but also takes responsibility to support the women. Mentally strong mothers raise brave and resilient generations.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a medical condition in which women feel anxiety and mood swings after giving birth. It affects a mother’s ability to function emotionally and physically.
Many women describe it as feeling “numb,” or emotionally distant. Some cry often, feel like a failure, or carry overwhelming guilt. Others can’t sleep even when the baby does.
Postnatal vs. Perinatal Depression
- Perinatal depression includes depression during pregnancy and after childbirth.
- Postnatal depression refers only to depression that happens after the baby is born.
Both are serious and require attention. Many women in Pakistan start experiencing symptoms during pregnancy. Recognizing the signs early can help in fast recovery.
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
It’s normal to feel emotional after delivery. This is called the “baby blues,” and it usually starts a few days after birth and fades within two weeks. You might feel teary or moody.
| Baby Blues | Postpartum Depression |
| Mild mood swings | Intense sadness or hopelessness |
| Lasts up to 2 weeks | Lasts longer than 2 weeks |
| You can still enjoy some moments | Difficulty bonding or feeling joy |
| Gets better on its own | Needs support and sometimes treatment |
How Common Is PPD Among Pakistani Mothers?
A study from Aga Khan University found that 13.8%% of new mothers showed signs of postpartum depression. In rural communities, that number may be even higher because of poverty and limited access to care.
Shame, fear, and a lack of awareness keep women silent. But the reality is this: postpartum depression doesn’t discriminate. It can affect any woman, rich or poor, educated or not, urban or rural.
Cultural Views on Postpartum Depression in Pakistan
In many Pakistani households, mental health is ignored. A mother might be told that “all mothers feel this way.” These words, though often unintentional, can be deeply damaging.
We need to shift the conversation. PPD is about surviving a major hormonal, emotional, and physical shift. The more we talk about it, the more we can help other women feel safe to speak up.
Is PPD seen as a real illness in Pakistan?
According to WHO (2009), only 0.4% of Pakistan’s health budget is allocated to mental health and the low number of mental health professionals.
The diagnosed conditions mainly include neurosis, stress-related issues, somatic complaints, and mood disorders, with these illnesses accounting for 30 to 33 percent of the cases. Notably, Postpartum Depression (PPD) is not mentioned in these statistics.
PPD is a myth in Pakistan. Let’s discuss these points further.
Postpartum depression in Pakistan as Stigma
If the patient seeks help or treatment, they will be labeled as mentally ill. Because of this fear, they become silent and distressed.
Myths misconception about PPD
When a new mother feels sadness after delivery, family members say “Every mother goes through this.”
Many women also hear painful comments like: “Are you some special kind of mother? We gave birth to ten children, and nothing happened to us”.
In joint family systems, new mothers are expected to immediately resume responsibilities. She has to take care of the baby, manage household chores, and attend to guests with a smile. If she feels exhausted, she’s told to “have patience, every woman does it.”
Most women don’t even know Postpartum depression in pakistan. Even in urban areas, if someone tries to seek help, families say: “What will people say?”
Our culture idealizes motherhood as a joyful phase, any woman who struggles feels guilty for not being “happy enough.” To break these myths, we must first change how we talk. It starts at home, listening to mothers and supporting them instead of judgment.
Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety and Depression
PPD Can cause a range of symptoms. If you feel these symptoms do not hesitate to ask for help and talk about it with your provider.
- Persistent sadness, feeling worthless, hopeless or guilty
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Shortness of breath and anxiety
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Loss of energy and motivation
- Changing appetite patterns
- Fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time
- Crying for no reason or excessively
- Difficulty thinking, making a decision or focusing
Postpartum psychosis is a severe and dangerous condition that needs immediate medical care. Postpartum psychosis affects about 1 in 1,000 mothers globally. It usually starts within the first few weeks after delivery and may include:
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- Paranoia or confusion
- Delusional thinking
- Rapid mood swings
- Risk of self-harm or harm to the baby
Causes and Risk Factors
Hormonal Changes After Delivery: After childbirth estrogen and progesterone levels drop suddenly, It affects mood-regulating chemicals in your brain. Women also feel sleep deprivation and breastfeeding stress and are emotionally unstable. These changes are biological, not your fault.
Psychological Effects of Childbirth: Childbirth is physically intense. But it’s also psychologically overwhelming if the birth was traumatic. Women who experience complications or emergency C-sections are more likely to develop PPD.
Social and Family Dynamics: In Pakistan, many women live in joint family systems where personal space and emotional needs often come last. When mothers lack support or face judgment from in-laws or relatives, the risk of depression rises.
Financial pressure also plays a huge role. A new baby means more expenses, and if a mother or her husband feels economically stressed, it can worsen emotional health.
Lack of Resources and Awareness: Access to mental health care in Pakistan is still limited. In many cities, there are few psychologists or psychiatrists who specialize in maternal mental health.
Many families don’t know about the services, or they’re too expensive. This gap leaves too many mothers struggling alone, thinking help doesn’t exist.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis of PPD
There is no single test to diagnose PPD, but doctors use a combination of methods:
- Reviewing your medical history
- Physical examination
- Detailed pelvic checkup
- Some blood tests
- Specifically checking thyroid function
- Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). It’s a questionnaire designed to assess your emotional and mental state.
Treatment for Postpartum Depression in Pakistan
Women who get both therapy and family support recover faster than those who are treated medically alone. Treatment looks different for every woman. It may include:
1. Antidepressants
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), such as Sertraline (Zoloft). These medications are safe for breastfeeding moms. However, they must never be taken without a doctor’s prescription.
2. Therapies
- Psychotherapy or CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- Support groups: talking to other mothers who have gone through similar experiences
3. Severe Cases
- In more intense cases, hospitalization or special medications may be required under expert supervision.
- In moderate to severe cases, doctors may prescribe antidepressants. These are safe in most cases, even while breastfeeding but should always be discussed with a qualified psychiatrist.
4. Faith-based support
Many mothers in Pakistan find comfort in turning to Islamic teachings alongside medical care. Prayer, dhikr, and spiritual counseling can support emotional recovery when paired with professional help.
Support Systems and Resources
Role of Husbands in Postpartum Care
When a husband takes care of his wife, she recovers faster from postpartum depression. Small acts like changing a diaper, listening without judgment, or offering words of encouragement is powerful.
Family Support and Postpartum Depression
In Pakistani culture, families are often deeply involved in a mother’s life after childbirth. Family members need to offer non-judgmental support. That means being kind, offering help and creating a peaceful home environment.
One case study in Rawalpindi showed that when extended family members received basic mental health education, the new mother’s recovery time improved by 40%. Education leads to empathy.
Support Groups for New Mothers
Talking to others who understand can be healing. Support groups offer a safe space where mothers share struggles, stories, and advice.
In Pakistan, in-person groups are growing slowly. However, online communities on Facebook and WhatsApp provide daily support, resources, and sisterhood. These groups can break the isolation that so many mothers feel.
Why is maternal mental health ignored in Pakistan?
The main reasons are a lack of awareness and education, fear of social stigma, and limited or mental health services.
Accessing mental health professionals in rural areas is a major challenge. All these factors cause emotional distance and mistrust within close relationships.
These also severely impact the emotional, mental, social, and educational development of children and pass down in generations.
How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?
Postpartum depression can last for up to a year after childbirth. However, this is not the same for every mother. Some may cope and recover quickly, while others may take longer.
It is very important to express your emotions and symptoms with your healthcare provider, so they can understand your condition and start early treatment.
How to cope with PPD in Pakistan?
- Talk to a trusted person. This can be your husband, friend,or any family member if they are supportive.
- Join support groups for mothers
- Maintain a healthy diet and incorporate gentle exercise into your routine
- Get adequate sleep
Many mothers find comfort in prayer and dhikr. These prayers can relax your mind in hard moments. Seek urgent help if:
- Your symptoms persist for more than two weeks
- You find it impossible to manage daily tasks
- You experience extreme sadness, anxiety, or unexplained fear
Final Words
Postpartum depression in Pakistan is a public health issue that deserves open conversation, support and cure. It is a real and clinically recognized condition. It’s time we accept that mental health is the backbone of overall well-being.
New mothers in Pakistan must feel supported because a healthy mother builds a healthy generation. It is our responsibility to break silence with awareness and to play our part in laying the foundation for stronger society.
Your support as a husband or a family member can change a mother’s life. Listen without judgment and speak gently. Your empathy might be the first step toward her healing.
Every mother deserves to feel safe after giving birth. You matter. Your healing matters. And your story is worthy of care.
