'Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii' actress, Shweta Kawaatra revealed dealing with postpartum depression for five years after giving birth to her daughter. She also shared why she took up counselling courses!
Television actress, Shweta Kawaatra was once a household name with her role as 'Pallavi' in the popular daily soap, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii. For the unversed, during the shooting of the television soap, she had met the love of her life, Manav Gohil and the rest is history. Later, in 2012, they were blessed with a baby girl whom they named Zahra. However, after giving birth to her daughter, she faced postpartum depression for a longer period of time. The consequences of postpartum depression were so much so that it lasted five years. Now, the actress bared her heart about the same.
In an interview with the ETimes, Shweta Kanwaatra opened up about experiencing acute postpartum depression. She revealed how depression usually brings chemical changes in the body, and it had long-drawn consequences in her case. Elaborating that she experienced postpartum depression for five years, she said:
“Having experienced acute postpartum depression, I no longer view life as casually as I did before. Most tend to use the term ‘depression’ loosely. It is real. It’s a chemical change in our body and not just a low feeling or something that stems from boredom. If left untreated, it has long-drawn consequences. I suffered for five years."
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Further, Shweta Kanwaatra mentioned how her hubby, Manav Gohil and her family was her constant support system. But since none of them was having a clear knowledge of what was going on with her, they couldn't help her properly. She added:
"While I had my husband (actor Manav Gohil) and family’s support during this time, it was difficult for them to understand what I was going through. I wanted to lend a hand and an ear to others with the right tools, hence studying became the next organic step to understanding the disease.”
Thus, she thought of pursuing counselling courses and plans to take up counselling as a practitioner in the near future. For the unversed, she has a double certification in personal counselling- i.e., parenting and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT). Further, she is pursuing Masters in the same subject currently. Talking about the same, she concluded:
“I’m not a practicing counsellor yet. I started pursuing parenting courses officially in 2020. I plan to study further and eventually take up counselling as a practice and balance it with my primary profession — acting. Seek help. In my own capacity, I volunteer to address individual concerns. I listen to their struggles and help them get a perspective. If I notice red flags, I refer them to a psychologist or a psychiatrist.”
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Well, this isn't the first time, when Shweta talked about suffering post-partrum depression. Earlier, on July 8, 2020, she had taken to her Instagram handle and revealed that initially, she felt everything was fine. However, it took her one whole year to realise that she needed a professional’s help. She further mentioned how no one prepared her for it, while she was pregnant. So, urging all the new moms to seek help, Shweta she had written:
“Postpartum depression is real”- these powerful words spoken by a friend struck me deep. One year into depression I felt someone understood me. It felt like it’s ok... if I didn’t feel ok. I suffered postpartum depression for 4.5yrs & took me one whole year &one moms compassionate/judgement free words for me to realise I need to seek professional help. I very very reluctantly did so. I’m so great full I did. More grateful to know that there was no big deal in doing so. While I was pregnant No one prepared me. No one talked about it- Not even the doctors (strange isn’t it??) 8 yrs ago things were different. Social media wasn’t there much. Now it’s different. For all the moms out there- I wouldn’t sugar coat postpartum depression for you. It’s REAL- PL SEEK HELP. YOU CAN HEAL!!”
Isn't Shweta's journey to becoming a counsellor inspirational? What do you think? Let us know!
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