When we think of motherly love, an old fable comes to mind where two women fight over an infant, each claiming it as her own. They were told to settle the debate by pulling the child in a twisted game of tug-of-war. Sensing that it would hurt the child, the birth mother conceded defeat, thinking it was better to lose than to harm the baby. It's a mother's natural tendency to protect her child under any circumstances. That explains why she always put your interests first, did your worrying for you, gave up her career to spend more time with you or worked overtime to put you in a good school.

슬롯사이트œMothers around the world are self-sacrificial, caring, kind and protective of their children. No matter what age the child, they are always 슬롯사이트˜babies슬롯사이트� to their mothers. In fact, the term momma bear (who attacks anyone that threatens her offspring) applies to many,슬롯사이트� says Dr. Era Dutta, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist and Therapist Mind Wellness & Fortis Healthcare. The operative word in any household is 슬롯사이트œmom슬롯사이트�, according to her. 슬롯사이트œFrom 슬롯사이트˜mom, where are my shoes?슬롯사이트� To 슬롯사이트˜mom how do I do this?슬롯사이트� mothers are expected to have answers to everything,슬롯사이트� says Dr. Dutta.

But all this self-sacrifice and love come at a very high price; being a mom is a tough business. She would never complain, but the constant demands of motherhood can take a toll on her health, especially her mind. Dr. Dutta reveals that mental health problems can be quite common in mothers. 슬롯사이트œSo this Mother슬롯사이트™s Day, let슬롯사이트™s take a moment to know more about the various hardships she has been through or could go through,슬롯사이트� says the psychiatrist as she lists some of the common psychological conditions that affect mothers.

Depression during Pregnancy

So much is said about pregnancy glow and the contentment of motherhood that people brush all the dark truths about it are swept under the rug. 슬롯사이트œThe chances of depression during pregnancy are at an all-time high due to the sudden changing hormones, changing body structure and dietary deficiencies,슬롯사이트� says Dr. Dutta. What should be done? 슬롯사이트œMother슬롯사이트™s to be, or pregnant women should take extra care to lead a happy, balanced lifestyle and focus on their diets,슬롯사이트� she opines.

Postpartum Blues

Mothers are supposed to be elated at the birth of their children. But that슬롯사이트™s just an unrealistic expectation the society expects women to shoulder. 슬롯사이트œThe truth is that 70-80 percent mothers go through postpartum blues three to five days after delivery,슬롯사이트� Dr. Dutta says. This is due to the overwhelming nature of childbirth, pain, the hormonal shift and sleep deprivation right after birth. The doctor says that husbands need to step up and help their wives ease into motherhood, without burdening them too much. 슬롯사이트œBe understanding and caring. Do not overwhelm the new mother with too much advice,슬롯사이트� she says.

Postpartum Depression

슬롯사이트œThe more severe form of postpartum blues is postpartum depression,슬롯사이트� says Dr. Dutta. While postpartum blues are transient, postpartum depression is more long-lasting. 슬롯사이트œIt슬롯사이트™s a fairly common condition, but often goes undiagnosed. There may be severe crying spells, suicidal ideations and a lack of care for the baby. In such cases, families should seek immediate help of the psychiatrist before it gets any worse,슬롯사이트� she adds.

Postpartum Psychosis

There are stories of mothers turning violent and harming their children immediately after childbirth. In the US, the Andrea Yates case shocked the nation when a mother-of-five systematically drowned her children in a delirium. She was said to be suffering from postpartum psychosis. 슬롯사이트œIt슬롯사이트™s a condition caused by neurochemical changes in the brain and the mother loses touch with reality,슬롯사이트� says Dr. Dutta. Instead of waiting around and hoping that she would 슬롯사이트œsnap out of it,슬롯사이트� a responsible family would immediately seek help from a mental health professional.

Empty Nest Syndrome

Her life has essentially revolved around her kids. So when the children leave the house for education or after getting married, mothers are hit by a sense of loneliness and a loss of purpose, which can be emotionally distressing. 슬롯사이트œWhen the young ones leave home to go to college, there is a sudden emptiness in the house and in the minds of the mothers. The ever-busy moms suddenly have very little to address to. Some feel lost, others may cope well,슬롯사이트� Dr. Dutta points out. She says that a responsible child should understand their mother슬롯사이트™s loneliness and figure out ways to give her purpose in life. Help her talk to her friends and encourage her to participate in group activities. 슬롯사이트œAnd if you feel your mother is lonely, be sure to call in and check in on her, like she did all these years,슬롯사이트� says the doctor.

Menopause

There comes a time where all the period-related shenanigans of a woman슬롯사이트™s life end, but it marks the beginning of another dreaded phase that causes a shift in hormones and chemicals in the body. 슬롯사이트œMany women suffer from physical and psychological symptoms of menopause. They battle it quietly,슬롯사이트� says Dr. Dutta. The lack of support can be devastating for a woman who is left to deal with the problems of a changing body and deteriorating mental health. If your mother is also on the brink of menopause, here슬롯사이트™s what you should do. 슬롯사이트œTalk to your gynaecologist about the various options. And see a psychiatrist if the mood fluctuations worsen,슬롯사이트� advises Dr. Dutta.

As children, we must ensure our mother슬롯사이트™s well-being, and her mental health plays a huge role in shaping her overall health. For someone who has done so much for you, it슬롯사이트™s a travesty that she expects so little. Check up on her, ask her what she needs, visit her more often or at least call her once a day. So make every day a mother슬롯사이트™s day.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 11, 2018 07:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).