Understanding postpartum depression and why it’s time Pakistan started talking about it.
Becoming a mother is described as one of the most joyful moments in a woman’s life. Society celebrates the arrival of a newborn with flowers, sweets, and warm embraces. But beneath the surface of many of these joyful moments lies a truth that is rarely spoken aloud: a significant number of new mothers are silently struggling, not with their love for their child, but with their own well-being.
Here is something most people do not know: postpartum depression is not a sign that something is wrong with a mother. It is a sign that something is wrong with the support around her. In Pakistan, somewhere between 28% and 63% of new mothers experience it. A range that, even at its lowest, is among the highest in all of Asia. Walk into any room of new mothers in this country, and the chances are that at least one of them, possibly more, is quietly drowning. And almost no one is asking if she is okay.
Approximately 40% of women in Pakistan experience postpartum depression, yet the conversation around it remains largely absent from our homes, hospitals, and social circles.
What Does Postpartum Depression Actually Look Like?
PPD is often confused with the “baby blues”, a brief period of emotional sensitivity in the first week after childbirth. But postpartum depression is different. It can last weeks or months, and its symptoms go well beyond feeling a little teary.
Common signs include persistent sadness, difficulty bonding with the baby, overwhelming fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, anxiety, and irritability. These are not signs of a “bad mother.” They are medical symptoms, and they deserve the same attention and compassion we would give any other illness.
The Silence That Makes It Worse
In Pakistani culture, the post-birth period is framed as a time of gratitude. A mother who admits she is struggling may be told to pray more, to be thankful, or to push through. This silence creates a dangerous gap: women who need help do not seek it, and the families around them do not know how to help.
Mental health stigma runs deep. Seeking professional support is still seen by many as an extreme measure, something reserved for people with “serious” problems. But postpartum depression is serious. Left unaddressed, it can affect a mother’s long-term well-being, her bond with her child, and the emotional health of the entire family.
Awareness Is the First Act of Support
The first step toward change is conversation. A mother is the first and most enduring connection any of us will ever have. Her well-being is not a private matter. It is something we all have a stake in, as families, as communities, and as a society that claims to honour the women who hold it together.
In Pakistan, corporate organizations can play a vital role in raising awareness about postpartum depression through their CSR platforms, communication expertise, public reach, and resources. By supporting awareness campaigns, community outreach, employee wellbeing initiatives, and partnerships with healthcare professionals, companies can help reduce stigma, encourage families to recognize the signs, and make support more accessible for mothers who often suffer in silence.
This Mother’s Day let’s go beyond celebration. Let’s hold space for what so many mothers are quietly carrying and commit to the belief that no mother should ever feel alone in her struggle.
