Bollywood and South Indian movie actress Sameera Reddy recently opened up about suffering from postpartum depression after having her first child. The 43-year-old actress, who is very active on social media, detailed her struggles via an Instagram post.
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Reddy, known for being a chirpy dancing whiz who has been part of films like Musafir, Race, and Plan alongside John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, and other big stars, never let this personal side of her life show.
Sameera Reddy’s account of postpartum depression
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The Bollywood actress revealed that this experience didn’t just affect her mental health, but also her marriage with entrepreneur Akshai Varde, and her desire to have a second child:
“I questioned myself so many times if I should have a second baby. I was a complete wreck after my first born. PPD hit me like a brick. I lost control of my body and my self-worth. And it took a toll on my marriage because I had no clue how to handle it.”
While Sameera did end up having a second child, an adorable baby girl Nyra, she went on to talk about how that decision is never easy after a difficult first time. She has previously also opened up on post-delivery changes women should know about.
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Sameera Reddy reminded everyone that it is hard to deal with these things
Sameera acknowledged how she had a support system to help her, and how that plays a huge role in deciding whether one wants kids. She was candid about the fact that having a second baby might not work for everyone, depending on one’s emotional situation, financial health, or support structures for childcare, especially after going through postpartum depression.
Image credit: Instagram.com/reddysameera
She wrote: “I had a rock of husband, amazing in-laws and my family that never let my hand go through it all and that really helped… Because those sleepless nights, the body changes and the adjustment to the first born is not easy… but it’s not difficult either… So many factors. Financial, emotional or just plain support that can make it the right or wrong decision.”
The maternal guilt that prevents women from opening up
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It’s very rare to see an honest account of postpartum depression because women are programmed to think that motherhood is supposed to be the most natural, easy-to-adapt situation. Women aren’t really allowed to talk about the difficulties of it without the danger of being perceived wrongly. It’s scary to admit that one is unhappy after having a baby because the maternal guilt of sounding like you’re ungrateful for your baby persists.
But that’s not what postpartum depression is, is it?
What is postpartum depression?
- It happens due to the immense changes that happen after childbirth, and can happen to both sexes, though women are more prone to it.
- Behavioural, physical, emotional, and a host of other changes are symptoms of it, be it mood swings, a feeling of emptiness, anxiety, crying often, feeling disconnected with your baby, and more.
- Postpartum depression is a medical condition which needs treatment with therapy or medication.
- It doesn’t mean someone is a bad person, or that they don’t love their child.
Sameera reiterated that having a baby should be a matter of choice
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It’s hard to deal with any kind of depression and very difficult to imagine a world where your state of mind is different. Deciding to have a second baby can be a challenging idea when you are going through so many hardships with navigating your first attempt at motherhood.
Sameera reminded everyone that the choice is theirs at the end of the day. Instead of being preachy, she reminded her followers that each mother’s journey is different. So choosing to have or not have a child, or a second child, is not a good or bad thing—it purely depends on one’s specific situation, and shouldn’t be dictated by what society expects of women.
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“So many women ask me how I knew I wanted another child. Honestly everyone’s journey is different and it’s hard to pin down what makes you sure. But I will tell you that the only thing I knew is that this lil girl, my Nyra, showed me how fearless I am and I knew it was my decision and I could handle it,” Sameera said.
She further added, “Women are stronger than they give themselves credit for. And our gut instinct is the most powerful voice if we just listen and believe. I trusted mine and I’m so glad I did. Whatever your voice is saying, even if it’s choosing not to be a mom or to stay single or to have more than one child— it’s your choice and no one can pressure you otherwise. Trust your instinct.”
If you are struggling with postpartum depression or know someone who is, reach out to a therapist or psychiatrist for help.
Lead image credit: Instagram.com/reddysameera
