“It’s Just Exhaustion, Right?” – Or Is It Something More?

You knew motherhood would be tiring, but you never imagined this level of exhaustion. You wake up feeling drained, even after sleep. Some days, you don’t feel like yourself at all—irritability, sadness, a foggy brain, or a feeling of being emotionally “numb.” And when well-meaning family members brush it off as normal or expected, you wonder—is it really?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many Indian moms experience postpartum depression (PPD) but don’t recognize the signs. It’s often mistaken for fatigue, mood swings, or the “baby blues.” The truth? Ignoring it can make things worse.

So how do you know if it’s just tiredness—or something more serious?

Postpartum Depression vs. Normal Exhaustion: Key Differences

1. Are You Just Tired or Emotionally Disconnected?

It’s normal to feel exhausted with a newborn, but with postpartum depression, the fatigue is deeper and relentless. You might feel emotionally detached—even from your baby. If cuddles, smiles, or milestones don’t spark joy, it’s a sign to dig deeper.

2. Do You Feel Guilty, Hopeless, or “Not Good Enough” as a Mom?

Indian moms often face unrealistic expectations—“good mothers should always be happy,” “you must love every moment of motherhood.” If you’re feeling like a failure, burdened with guilt, or overwhelmed to the point where you’re questioning your worth, this isn’t just tiredness—it’s PPD.

3. Are You Crying for No Reason?

Postpartum crying spells are common, but when they happen daily, last for hours, or feel uncontrollable, it’s time to seek help. If small things make you burst into tears or you constantly feel like there’s a “cloud” over you, don’t ignore it.

4. Are You Anxious All the Time?

New moms worry—it’s natural. But with PPD, anxiety becomes overwhelming and irrational. You might fear something bad will happen to your baby, obsess over minor issues, or struggle with constant dread. This kind of anxiety isn’t just “overthinking”—it’s a sign your mind needs support.

5. Are You Having Trouble Sleeping Even When the Baby Sleeps?

Every Indian mom is told to sleep when the baby sleeps. But what if your mind won’t shut down? If you’re constantly restless, lying awake at night despite exhaustion, or waking up with panic, this could be more than sleep deprivation.

6. Are You Thinking About Running Away—or Worse?

If you’ve ever thought “What if I just disappeared?” or “My baby would be better off without me,” please know: this is not your fault, and you are not alone. Suicidal thoughts or a desire to escape are serious symptoms of PPD that need urgent attention.

Why Indian Moms Miss These Signs

Many Indian women suffer in silence because postpartum mental health is rarely discussed. Some common myths that stop moms from seeking help include:

• “Feeling low after birth is normal.” (Mild baby blues resolve in 2 weeks; PPD lasts longer and is more intense!)
• “You have everything—why are you sad?” (PPD is not about gratitude; it’s a medical condition!)
• “Mothers are strong, you’ll get over it.” (Strength is in seeking help, not suffering alone!)

Ignoring these signs can lead to long-term depression, strained relationships, and difficulty bonding with your baby. But the good news? PPD is treatable. The first step is recognizing it.

What You Can Do Today: Small Steps Toward Healing

• Acknowledge Your Feelings – It’s okay to feel this way. You are not weak or a bad mother.
• Talk to Someone You Trust – A friend, partner, or a professional. Sharing lightens the load.
• Prioritize Self-Care – Even 10 minutes of deep breathing or a short walk can help.
• Seek Professional Help – Therapy, medication (if needed), and support groups can be life-changing.

Get Expert Help from the Comfort of Your Home

At Paloma Care, we understand how overwhelming motherhood can be. Our telehealth platform connects you with compassionate therapists, mental health experts, and postpartum coaches—all from the privacy of your home.

• Confidential mental health consults—no judgment, just support
• Guided postpartum recovery plans personalized for Indian moms
• Easy, accessible therapy—because your mental health matters

Book a Mental Health Consultation Now

You don’t have to do this alone. Healing starts with one step—take yours today.