Just when trimester came and you gave birth to your child, a mother’s first thought would often be like that the hard part is over. However, they soon realized that giving birth is only the beginning. According to research, upto 50-75% of new moms experience postpartum depression and 10-15% of mothers suffer from prolonged and severe depression. There is still a little stigma to mental health even in Japan, however, more and more people our age are becoming open and understanding about mental health issues.
A Guide on How to Deal with Postpartum Depression in Japan
For a foreigner mom, what should they do to overcome postpartum depression in Japan? The truth is, it doesn’t disappear like an on and off switch even if we want to. Here are the things that will help you go through postpartum depression in Japan.
1. Satogaeri Shussan
It is customary in Japan for a pregnant woman in her last trimester to return to their mother’s home and return again during the first month after pregnancy. This is for the mother to at least have baby assistance and for them to be taken care of. However, if your mother is far away and is currently in a different country, you can have at least a female relative or friend to help you out and assist you at home. It is perfectly okay and normal in Japan and is expected of.
2. Talk to Friends
Postpartum depression is complex. There is no way to rationalize why mothers cry when they feel the ‘baby blues’ during post-natal. It is usually described as a feeling of lacking self-confidence due to gaining weight, feeling fatigue, or feeling hopeless etc. When left to their own, mothers will only succumb to even deeper depression. This is where talking to friends even just through the phone is important. It takes them off from negative emotions and induces a feeling of the enjoyment of having companions. More importantly, it will give a renewed hope that they are not alone during their inner battles after all.
3. Self-Care During Free Time
It may be difficult for yourself before the pregnancy but doing your usual self-care and pampering yourself like you used to will make you feel your ‘old self’. Another feeling described of postpartum depression is due to feeling lost or losing your younger, old self.
Run a warm bath at home and sprinkle aromatic bath salt while the baby is asleep. Get a haircut and get your nails done in a salon while your husband or your mom can babysit. Eat your favorite snack once in a while and have washoku (traditional Japanese Food) for a healthy diet. And more importantly, don’t ever feel guilty about sparing time for yourself. As a mother, your health and welfare is paramount. Besides, how would you take care of your baby if you yourself are unwell, right?
4. Get Professional Help
Do not hesitate to get professional help. If you are experiencing postpartum depression or your friend is, there is an organization that will help you get through with it.
Here are the ones you can contact:
1.Tokyo Mothers Group: It is an English-speaking contact and support group for mommies residing in Tokyo.
2.International Mental Health Professionals Japan (IMHPJ) has a list of therapists including English-friendly ones you can reach out to.
3.Tokyo Mental Health – A United Kingdom licenced English Psychiatrist situated in Tokyo
4.TELL: It is a counseling service for the international community in Japan (a free telephone hotline is also available)
Conclusion
No matter what happens, do not lose hope, mommy! Things will get better as time passess. Find joy in the present moment. Your baby is enough reason to radiate happiness in yourself. Babies are very receptive in our actions and feelings and thus, fight to stay healthy and happy inside and outside.
References:
https://jw-webmagazine.com/postpartum-diary-in-japan-as-foreigner/