When a woman gives birth, she’s often surrounded by congratulations and joyful celebrations. Everyone sees her as having "become a mother," as though she’s entered a state of pure happiness.
اضافة اعلان
But behind this serene image, some mothers may be hiding an invisible storm—one that’s not seen and not spoken.
It’s not just exhaustion, nor mere “mood swings.” It could be postpartum depression in its most subtle and hardest-to-detect form: the silent version.
Why Is This Type of Depression Called ‘Silent’?
In many cases, the mother doesn’t show typical signs like emotional breakdowns or constant crying. She may not even struggle to care for her baby. On the contrary, she might appear strong, active, even accomplished.
But deep inside, she’s fighting a battle no one sees. She may not even admit it to herself, fearing she’ll be judged as ungrateful or seen as a “bad mother.”
Silent Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
According to mental health professionals, this type of depression often presents in non-typical ways. Here are the most prominent signs:
1. Emotional Disconnection from the Baby
The mother may care for her baby perfectly well but feel no real emotional connection. The baby’s presence doesn’t resonate with her heart, and everything feels mechanical—lacking any internal bond.
2. Constant Fatigue Despite Adequate Sleep
Even with enough physical rest, she feels constantly drained—as if carrying a mountain on her shoulders. Nothing seems to refresh her, no matter how much she tries.
3. Excessive Anxiety Over Small Details
She may live in a constant state of alertness, fearing everything: the baby’s crying, body temperature, breathing, or even how others perceive her parenting. This anxiety becomes a nonstop inner voice of worry.
4. Persistent and Unexplained Guilt
She feels like she’s not doing a good enough job—no matter what she does. She blames herself for everything, convinced she’s failing her baby, her partner, and even herself.
5. Excessive Busyness or Sudden Withdrawal
She might obsessively busy herself with daily tasks to the point of forgetting herself—or she may retreat completely, losing the desire to interact with anyone. In both cases, she’s running from emotions she doesn’t understand.
Why Don’t Some Mothers Ask for Help?
Fear of judgment, social stigma, or being misunderstood keeps many mothers silent. Some don’t even realize there’s a name for what they’re experiencing—or that treatment is available.
What Can Be Done?
Acknowledge your feelings without shame: It’s normal to have complex emotions after giving birth. There’s no shame in admitting exhaustion, confusion, or not feeling an immediate bond with your baby.
Seek professional help: Talking to a therapist or postpartum mental health specialist is an important and necessary step—not a sign of weakness.
Practice self-love and self-care: A mother’s physical and emotional well-being is just as important as caring for the baby.
Break the isolation: Even talking to a trusted friend can be the first step toward healing.
Postpartum depression doesn’t always look like what’s shown in movies. It’s not always visible to the naked eye.
Sometimes, it hides behind the most committed mother—or the one who smiles the most.
Listening without judgment and providing a safe space to express emotions might be the lifeline she needs.
Because motherhood isn’t only about holding your baby—it’s also about holding space for yourself.
— Fuchsia
