One of the most joyful experiences for a woman is motherhood. There is a flip side to that joy, though, which most people do not talk about, and that is postpartum depression. Indian actress Sameera Reddy talked about the challenges she faced while dealing with the illness in a lengthy post on Instagram.
The 43-year-old Bollywood star talked about her mental health struggles after having her first child, writing, "I questioned myself so many times if I should have a second baby." She said she was a complete wreck after her firstborn and that postpartum depression hit her like a brick. Reddy added that she lost control of her body and her self-worth.
The Hindustan Times reported that postpartum depression affected the actress mentally and physically. Reddy wrote that the illness affected her marriage because she had no clue how to handle the depression. She is grateful to her husband, in-laws, and family for supporting her, which helped in her battle with the illness.
Reddy goes for another child despite risk of postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is an illness that is also known as baby blues. It is quite common among new mothers, who experience a complex mix of emotional, behavioral, and physical changes after giving birth. Postpartum depression shows itself in many ways, with mothers suffering from depressive episodes and insomnia to anxiety and frequent mood swings.
Despite suffering from this illness before, Reddy decided to go for another baby. According to Reddy, she has been asked by many women how she knew she wanted another child. Reddy honestly replied to all of them, writing, "everyone's journey is different, and it's hard to pin down what makes you sure."
According to the Indian Express, one person gave her strength, and that was her firstborn. Reddy wrote that the only thing she knew was that her little girl Nyra showed her how fearless she was. Reddy added that she knew she could handle another baby because the body changes, the adjustment to the firstborn, and the sleepless nights are not easy, but it's not difficult either.
Reddy believes in the strength of women
Reddy added that so many factors could make adding another child the right or wrong decision, be it financial and emotional considerations or just plain support. Reddy emphasized the strength of women, saying, "Women are stronger than they give themselves credit for." Reddy said that their gut instinct is the most potent voice if they just listen and believe.
Reddy said she trusted her gut instinct, and she is so glad she did. According to the Times of India, Reddy advised her followers to trust their instinct as well, writing that whatever their 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 is their choice and no one can pressure them otherwise.
