Why Do Mothers Shy Away From Discussing Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression affects millions of mothers worldwide, yet many suffer in silence without seeking help or even speaking openly about their experience. Despite growing awareness of maternal mental health, discussing postpartum depression remains difficult for many women. This silence is not caused by a lack of suffering but by deep emotional, social, cultural, and systemic factors that discourage open conversation. Understanding why mothers shy away from discussing postpartum depression is essential to creating a more supportive and compassionate environment for new mothers. Fear of Judgment and Social Stigma One of the strongest reasons mothers avoid discussing postpartum depression is fear of judgment. Society often expects new mothers to feel joyful, fulfilled, and grateful after childbirth. When a woman experiences sadness, anxiety, anger, or emotional numbness instead, she may fear being labeled as weak or ungrateful. This stigma surrounding mental health, especially...