Recently, the news of a German mother throwing her newborn baby out of her apartment window shocked the world. The shock intensified when the mother claimed in court that having a child would ruin her successful career. While many condemned her actions as insensitive and inhuman, others speculated about potential underlying mental health issues.

In today's society, revealing vulnerabilities is often stigmatized. People might share financial troubles, household messes, or conflicts with loved ones, but admitting to battling depression or having a family history of mental illness is much harder. The former issues seem fixable, while the latter could permanently impact one's daily life and reputation.

Individuals with high self-esteem and less materialistic values are more likely to seek professional help for their mental health struggles, even at the cost of their career or reputation. Conversely, those with low self-esteem and a focus on material success often mask their mental health issues with achievements and self-aggrandizement.

A conversation with a close friend, a successful businesswoman, illustrated this point. Despite her outward excitement and energy, a hint of melancholy was evident in her eyes. When gently confronted, she broke down, revealing the emotional turmoil beneath her facade of success.

As a seven-year jail sentence is pronounced for the German mother, countless others silently struggle with mental health issues. Ignorance or reluctance to seek help can lead to minor issues escalating into major psychopathological disorders. Delaying treatment only makes conditions harder to address as symptoms worsen.

Mental health experts suggest the German mother may have been suffering from work-related stress when she unexpectedly became pregnant. This stress, combined with a lack of support, could have triggered early post-partum depression, potentially escalating to post-partum psychosis (PPP) after childbirth.

PPP can lead to violent and deviant behaviors.

Opening up about mental health struggles might invite societal contempt, jeopardize promotions, or even result in job loss.

However, untreated mental health issues could lead to dire consequences, including incarceration or tragic actions like harming oneself or others.

Seeking professional help and taking a break to address mental health concerns is crucial.

This approach ensures individuals can return to their lives with renewed confidence and focus on what truly matters.

--Billy Paul Ebenezer, a Psychotherapist based in Chennai.
billy@gwcounselling.com