In order to gauge the response to sharing postpartum depression stories in real life, I found that many Asian women were unwilling to share their experiences--even if they were to remain anonymous. The lack of dialogue and conversation regarding mental health is deeply embedded in Asian culture and this feeds to the lack of information and willingness to receive help.
However, it is important to remember that you are not alone! This forum is a safe space for you to anonymously write about your own unique experiences while also giving support. In order to get the discussion started, I will include two responses I received when interviewing individuals regarding postpartum depression
This interview was conducted November 2019 with a Korean immigrant, age 46, who experienced postpartum depression after the birth of her twins.
Had you ever heard of postpartum depression?
No, I never heard of postpartum depression before
How did you learn you had postpartum depression?
After, several years later, I read articles on postpartum depression and I realized what I went through was that depression because I went through same symptoms.
What symptoms did you experience?
Emotionally, I felt very sad and angry easily. Especially at my husband. Physically, I was really exhausted and I kept feeling sick and tired.
Did you visit medical professional to receive help?
No, after giving birth, I would go to check up on the baby but I never went to check my own health with the doctor. Actually, I had a C-section and the doctor just checked for the follow up for my surgery but never asked about my emotional things.
Were you able to talk to anyone: friends or family?
No, at that time, I didn't realize it was kind of symptom of postpartum depression. I just thought it was my temporary emotional roller coaster or just because of something in my life changed so I just kept it to myself. I didn't feel quite right to talk about it with others
Why did you it not feel right to talk about it with others?
It's just some private thing. And also my mother and father and brother tried to help me take care of baby and telling them that I feel very sad or angry is not good virtue to them. I don't want to give them another excuse or another things to worry about on top of taking care of baby. Taking care of myself is the job of myself or my husband. At the time I thought like so all my sadness and madness was towards my husband at that time. I didn't realize it was due to the depression I went through and I didn't know how to get help from him and so I just outburst my emotion to him.
Was your husband able to help?
He didn't know. I didn't know that what I was feeling was postpartum depression. So he didn't know how to help or how to encourage. So he didn't know and I didn't know how to deal with what I was feeling.
This interview was conducted on November 2019 with a Chinese-American woman, age 49, who experienced postpartum depression after giving birth to each of her three daughters.
Had you ever heard of postpartum depression?
Yes, I had heard people talking about having depression after childbirth and I realized I was depressed after having children.
What are some of the symptoms you experienced?
I was sad and didn't have many people to talk to. I did not have family around me when giving childbirth. So I feel bad physically and sick and just felt very sad.
Did you receive professional help?
No I did not. It eventually went away, and it came back with every time I was pregnant. I had three children and I had postpartum depression each time but I did not get help.
Did you reach out to family? Friends?
No I did not. I was not able to talk to friends or family because I did not want to make a big deal out of it. I thought it would be better for me to think positively and pray it goes away. I did not want to bother my family and friends. I thought maybe because I am a recent immigrant it made it harder for me.
What about you? Feel free to share your past or present experiences!