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Postpartum depression can be classified into three main categories. And these are:Baby blues – this is a normal occurrence to most women immediately after delivery. It occurs mostly to new mothers who experience mood swings and other mixed feelings. The baby blues normally last for a few days to a maximum of 2 weeks after giving birth. They do not require any form of treatment because it will subside on its own.Postpartum depression – it happens a few weeks or months after delivery. This condition can happen after the delivery of any child, not just the firstborn child. It has symptoms similar to those of baby blues but they are stronger than those for baby blues. In most cases, the symptoms affect the normal functioning of the mother and they can be treated with medical attention.Postpartum psychosis – this is a serious mental condition that affects mothers. The disease comes usually within 3 months of childbearing. It includes symptoms like a woman becoming hallucinating, losing touch with reality and delusions among other signs. This condition needs immediate medical attention because the mother might hurt herself sometimes.The risk of developing postpartum depression is increased by the following factors:Age of the mother when she became pregnant. Younger mother is the risk of getting depression.If you have a history of depression before you conceivedIf you are living aloneIf there are any marriage problems Ambivalence about the pregnancy If you do not have sufficient social support If you have many children. A mother with many children is more likely to become depressedIf you have a history of the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)Causes PPD is not caused by a single factor. However, physical and emotional issues play a major role.Emotional changes – if you are not getting enough sleep, you are likely not to be able to handle even simple matters. It might be anxiety about how you will be able to take care of the baby. Or you might be struggling with a sense of identity or you have lost control of your life or you feel less attractive. All these factors can contribute to developing PPD.Physical changes – as mentioned above, after giving birth to a baby, you will experience a drastic fall of hormones. The drop in the level of hormones in the body can result in feeling depressed, tired and sluggish.Pregnancy complication or difficulty during childbirthWorries about your relationshipExcessive worry about the responsibility of becoming a parentFinancial difficulties Changes in your sleep patternA history of having a mental disorder  Lack of support from the family The health consequences of child delivery. This may include conditions like blood pressure changes, urinary incontinence, changes in metabolism and anemia Loneliness due to lack of people or even family around youSymptoms The symptoms of PPD vary from one mother to another. And sometimes the signs vary from one day to another. The most common kinds of symptoms to look out for include the following:You cannot sleep for long You cry a lot and feel sad even without a reasonYou cannot stop eating. Or you do not want to see food at allYou feel exhausted but you cannot sleepYou feel out of controlYou feel like everything is hopeless and overwhelming You have body aches and illnesses that you cannot explain You cannot remember thingsYou feel anxious, irritable and angry for no reasonYou cannot be able to make a simple decisionYou experience sudden mood swings You want to isolate yourself from everything and everyone around youYou feel disconnected from your bundle of joy and you cannot find any joy holding your babyYou feel unworthy and guilty You have thoughts of harming your baby and yourselfYou cannot open up to anyone about your feelings because you thinkyou are a bad motherYou are restless You have difficulty bonding with your childYou lose interest in the things you used to loveReference:Anon, (2019). Everything You Need to Know About Postpartum Depression Signs, Symptoms and Treatments. [online] Available at: https://smartmommies.in/everything-you-need-to-know-about-postpartum-depression-signs-symptoms-and-treatments/ [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].Cedars-Sinai. (n.d.). Stop the Stigma. [online] Available at: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/discoveries/2019/02/stop-the-stigma.html [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

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Postpartum depression can be classified into three main categories. And these are:Baby blues – this is a normal occurrence to most women immediately after delivery. It occurs mostly to new mothers who experience mood swings and other mixed feelings. The baby blues normally last for a few days to a maximum of 2 weeks after giving birth. They do not require any form of treatment because it will subside on its own.Postpartum depression – it happens a few weeks or months after delivery. This condition can happen after the delivery of any child, not just the firstborn child. It has symptoms similar to those of baby blues but they are stronger than those for baby blues. In most cases, the symptoms affect the normal functioning of the mother and they can be treated with medical attention.Postpartum psychosis – this is a serious mental condition that affects mothers. The disease comes usually within 3 months of childbearing. It includes symptoms like a woman becoming hallucinating, losing touch with reality and delusions among other signs. This condition needs immediate medical attention because the mother might hurt herself sometimes.The risk of developing postpartum depression is increased by the following factors:Age of the mother when she became pregnant. Younger mother is the risk of getting depression.If you have a history of depression before you conceivedIf you are living aloneIf there are any marriage problems Ambivalence about the pregnancy If you do not have sufficient social support If you have many children. A mother with many children is more likely to become depressedIf you have a history of the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)Causes PPD is not caused by a single factor. However, physical and emotional issues play a major role.Emotional changes – if you are not getting enough sleep, you are likely not to be able to handle even simple matters. It might be anxiety about how you will be able to take care of the baby. Or you might be struggling with a sense of identity or you have lost control of your life or you feel less attractive. All these factors can contribute to developing PPD.Physical changes – as mentioned above, after giving birth to a baby, you will experience a drastic fall of hormones. The drop in the level of hormones in the body can result in feeling depressed, tired and sluggish.Pregnancy complication or difficulty during childbirthWorries about your relationshipExcessive worry about the responsibility of becoming a parentFinancial difficulties Changes in your sleep patternA history of having a mental disorder  Lack of support from the family The health consequences of child delivery. This may include conditions like blood pressure changes, urinary incontinence, changes in metabolism and anemia Loneliness due to lack of people or even family around youSymptoms The symptoms of PPD vary from one mother to another. And sometimes the signs vary from one day to another. The most common kinds of symptoms to look out for include the following:You cannot sleep for long You cry a lot and feel sad even without a reasonYou cannot stop eating. Or you do not want to see food at allYou feel exhausted but you cannot sleepYou feel out of controlYou feel like everything is hopeless and overwhelming You have body aches and illnesses that you cannot explain You cannot remember thingsYou feel anxious, irritable and angry for no reasonYou cannot be able to make a simple decisionYou experience sudden mood swings You want to isolate yourself from everything and everyone around youYou feel disconnected from your bundle of joy and you cannot find any joy holding your babyYou feel unworthy and guilty You have thoughts of harming your baby and yourselfYou cannot open up to anyone about your feelings because you thinkyou are a bad motherYou are restless You have difficulty bonding with your childYou lose interest in the things you used to loveReference:Anon, (2019). Everything You Need to Know About Postpartum Depression Signs, Symptoms and Treatments. [online] Available at: https://smartmommies.in/everything-you-need-to-know-about-postpartum-depression-signs-symptoms-and-treatments/ [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].Cedars-Sinai. (n.d.). Stop the Stigma. [online] Available at: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/discoveries/2019/02/stop-the-stigma.html [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

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Artwork by Teresa Wong about her own Postpartum

Reference :
Motherly. (n.d.). This mother’s powerful drawings are helping others cope with postpartum depression. [online] Available at: https://www.mother.ly/pregnancy/postpartum/this-moms-poweful-postpartum-comics-are-so-relatable/ [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

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Representation of Muslim culture in Fashion.

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Although safeguarded, the muslim culture is often misrepresented by way of fashionably enhancing the religious adornments.Although it is acceptable, behind the glamour lies a more haunting story of potential abuse, violence, depression and religious dogma.There is so much more depth in situations and behind the burqa can lie a story that can make one question their identity, beliefs and culture to the point of mentally challenging ones' logical purview of themselves, the people around them or even life in general.Although the image captures style and tries to show the ideal picture, what it fails to do is bring to light the stories that are hidden much like the bodies behind a piece of fabric that isn't often adorned by choice but by forceful adherence to societal inflictions masked by the facade of questionable religious belief systems.I feel like religion should be a choice and not a cage where you trap your dreams and thoughts. I do not condone any religion but coming from Asia, I am aware of the succumbing behaviours that are instilled inside of people by ancestors and families alike as if its a badge of honour. I chose in my life to be devoid of religion, therefore I consider myself a spiritual person because I believe in having faith whilst keeping my sanity intact and prioritised. The women of Pakistan and Muslim culture in general don't usually have this independence. Through the challenge laid out by Sarah and Farah, I wish to personally journal my thoughts freely on this page and further reference the reality by drawing out parallels between misrepresentations and realities, the blurred line within which despair is buried and hoped to be forgotten.Reference:Vogue Arabia. (2021). Inside Vogue Arabia’s Fourth Anniversary Issue Celebrating Creativity. [online] Available at: https://en.vogue.me/fashion/vogue-arabia-fourth-anniversary-creativity-issue/ [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

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Although safeguarded, the muslim culture is often misrepresented by way of fashionably enhancing the religious adornments.Although it is acceptable, behind the glamour lies a more haunting story of potential abuse, violence, depression and religious dogma.There is so much more depth in situations and behind the burqa can lie a story that can make one question their identity, beliefs and culture to the point of mentally challenging ones' logical purview of themselves, the people around them or even life in general.Although the image captures style and tries to show the ideal picture, what it fails to do is bring to light the stories that are hidden much like the bodies behind a piece of fabric that isn't often adorned by choice but by forceful adherence to societal inflictions masked by the facade of questionable religious belief systems.I feel like religion should be a choice and not a cage where you trap your dreams and thoughts. I do not condone any religion but coming from Asia, I am aware of the succumbing behaviours that are instilled inside of people by ancestors and families alike as if its a badge of honour. I chose in my life to be devoid of religion, therefore I consider myself a spiritual person because I believe in having faith whilst keeping my sanity intact and prioritised. The women of Pakistan and Muslim culture in general don't usually have this independence. Through the challenge laid out by Sarah and Farah, I wish to personally journal my thoughts freely on this page and further reference the reality by drawing out parallels between misrepresentations and realities, the blurred line within which despair is buried and hoped to be forgotten.Reference:Vogue Arabia. (2021). Inside Vogue Arabia’s Fourth Anniversary Issue Celebrating Creativity. [online] Available at: https://en.vogue.me/fashion/vogue-arabia-fourth-anniversary-creativity-issue/ [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

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Although safeguarded, the muslim culture is often misrepresented by way of fashionably enhancing the religious adornments.
Although it is acceptable, behind the glamour lies a more haunting story of potential abuse, violence, depression and religious dogma.
There is so much more depth in situations and behind the burqa can lie a story that can make one question their identity, beliefs and culture to the point of mentally challenging ones' logical purview of themselves, the people around them or even life in general.
Although the image captures style and tries to show the ideal picture, what it fails to do is bring to light the stories that are hidden much like the bodies behind a piece of fabric that isn't often adorned by choice but by forceful adherence to societal inflictions masked by the facade of questionable religious belief systems.
I feel like religion should be a choice and not a cage where you trap your dreams and thoughts. I do not condone any religion but coming from Asia, I am aware of the succumbing behaviours that are instilled inside of people by ancestors and families alike as if its a badge of honour.
I chose in my life to be devoid of religion, therefore I consider myself a spiritual person because I believe in having faith whilst keeping my sanity intact and prioritised.
The women of Pakistan and Muslim culture in general don't usually have this independence. Through the challenge laid out by Sarah and Farah, I wish to personally journal my thoughts freely on this page and further reference the reality by drawing out parallels between misrepresentations and realities, the blurred line within which despair is buried and hoped to be forgotten.

Reference:
Vogue Arabia. (2021). Inside Vogue Arabia’s Fourth Anniversary Issue Celebrating Creativity. [online] Available at: https://en.vogue.me/fashion/vogue-arabia-fourth-anniversary-creativity-issue/ [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

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Postpartum Depression Venus, a representation of the loss and emptiness felt after childbirth that makes some women feel as if they are useless.Reference:Wikipedia Contributors (2019). Postpartum depression. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postpartum_depression.

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Postpartum Depression Venus, a representation of the loss and emptiness felt after childbirth that makes some women feel as if they are useless.Reference:Wikipedia Contributors (2019). Postpartum depression. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postpartum_depression.

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‘I’ll Never Write My Memoirs’ by Grace Jones is published by Simon and Schuster

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In a new extract from her memoir, Grace Jones reveals how the trauma of standing up for herself in a man’s world almost led to her being sectioned by her own family
There was a plot to put me away in a facility, because people thought I was on the edge of insanity. There was an actual conspiracy to have me sectioned. It wasn’t in my head, although, naturally, it was made to seem as though it was. I was being worn down. The circumstances were making me crazy, not mad. I was simply frustrated to such an extent about how the video was going, people thought I was in mental trouble.

My sister, my mom, my dad, Capitol Records – a weird alliance, whose members cared about me from different corners – could easily have convinced people that I was losing touch with reality. My family felt I was being paranoid, but I wasn’t going mad. In truth, I was deeply upset that Capitol was interfering with my vision. I was not being a prima donna: I was just trying to concentrate on a technically difficult task while I was being talked to like I was a silly pop singer who’d gotten carried away with her own ego.

I was female, and they decided that I was rock ’n’ roll insane. Had I been a man, they would have considered that I was merely retaining control, or professionally fretting about the details. Once they start treating you as though you are losing your grip, it becomes kind of true – in reacting to accusations that you are paranoid and incapable of acting responsibly, you end up seeming to confirm that you are paranoid and reckless. They wore me down. They sabotaged me.

Reference:
Jones, G. (2016). I’ll never write my memoirs. London: Simon & Schuster Uk Ltd.

www.urbanimage.tv. (n.d.). Grace Jones arrives at the Music Machine Koko Camden London 1985 | urbanimage.tv. [online] Available at: https://urbanimage.photoshelter.com/image/I0000EvwCIvgNSXI [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

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Grace Jones by Marissa G. Muller (04.10.18) for W Magazine

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Have you always been a feminist? I don’t consider myself a feminist. I don’t put labels on things, really. I stand up always for being a human. The fact that I am a woman gives more power to it, but I stand up for being a human being. I don’t like the fact that women should be this way and stay in their place. I’m more than a feminist. I believe we are stronger. Women are stronger.

It’s not just physical and it’s not just mental. I think men become weak because they’re not allowed to exercise their emotion. They have been told that by showing emotion they’re showing weakness and I believe that’s why women are stronger; in an emotional situation, I believe that women will win every time. Most of the time, anyway. I’m not going to say all men are weaker than women. I think the men that embrace their female side are the stronger men.

Reference:
W Magazine. (n.d.). Grace Jones on Being Part Person, Part Legend: “I’ve Told a Lot of Untruths About Myself.” [online] Available at: https://www.wmagazine.com/story/grace-jones-documentary-interview [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

www.urbanimage.tv. (n.d.). Grace Jones arrives at the Music Machine Koko Camden London 1985 | urbanimage.tv. [online] Available at: https://urbanimage.photoshelter.com/image/I0000zbuyAxovlLU [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

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Reference:
Brooke, K. (n.d.). Meet Santiago Lyon: Conflict photographer turned Content Authenticity expert. [online] Adobe Blog. Available at: https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2021/03/30/santiago-lyon-conflict-photographer-turned-cai-expert#gs.lfxjty [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

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Because fashion is psychology. “It’s all about our self-identity, it’s all about our behaviour,” Mair says. “We behave in a particular way depending on what we’re wearing.” Clothes are our second skin and they are our outward face to the world. Even when people say they’re not interested in fashion, what they buy and wear says something about them, she says. And, really, who would want to opt out of this realm of expression and communication and performance and armouring?
- Carlyn Mair for Vice

When we feel depressed, we wish to dress ourselves in bright colours, perhaps dress in black and have our mood represent our emotions. Sometimes a change in colour or garment can make a change in the bad emotions. For example, if one is feeling dull or sad, even though black may represent their mood, wearing a yellow or a blue might actually make them feel happier and shiny.

During PPD one anyway feels confined within their bodies and more so confined in adornments that may have a tendency to feel like a cage. Do they have the option of stepping out into the fields and absorb the sunshine in whatever they wish to choose or wear?
By this I do not wish for one to opt out of wearing the religious outfits but more so to stress upon the level of confinement one might feel during this phase and through these religious adherences.

Reference:
www.vice.com. (n.d.). The Link Between Clothing and Mental Health. [online] Available at: https://www.vice.com/en/article/pank7g/expressing-myself-through-clothing-has-helped-me-deal-with-depression.

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Michaud, R., Michaud, S. and André Velter (2002). Afghanistan. New York: H.N. Abrams.

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Reference:
“Women Here Are Very, Very Worried.” (2019). The New York Times. [online] 22 Mar. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/22/sunday-review/women-afghanistan-taliban.html.

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Why acknowledge and address when you can ignore and duress.

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The image seems miles ahead of its time at least on an emotional level. Where in a lot of rigid Muslim countries women aren't even allowed to rendezvous least of all have a tete-a-tete with each other, having gay relationships can seem like a far fetched reality.
How can a person choose freedom of though if they cannot even choose their own partners.
I am personally aware of Asian cultures dominating the women from their communities to marry at an early age(or in their words, "ripe age".) so that she can "fulfil" her duties as a woman by bearing a child for someone who is potentially 10 years older than her if not more.
One has to take into consideration that women and even men in a lot of cultures are stuffed like turkeys on thanksgiving with lies about their respective worths.
Women are taught to be the homemakers and the child bearers but not about the baggage that comes along with that. They are respected to leave their homes and sense of security to take care of an overgrown man-child who's only responsibility is to sit on his family business and treat his wife as he pleases because it is just another commodity that he has received to fulfil his purpose in this lifetime.
Women in the muslim culture are depleted of support and expected to be these tough warriors who are supposed to surrender and submit. It is hidden once again behind the facade of religion as an act of pleasing god. A hypothetical simulation of the afterlife is a good enough reason to have a life chosen for you and left to be dealt with off your own accords. How is a person without any support or understanding expected to live a life without any education of the expectations that follow suit.
Mental health in post-natal mothers is one such issue that is neglected if not ignored. Where is that awareness in fashion? Why have people started monetising on someones religious beliefs sans depth and purpose. The real depth hides behind glamour if not religion. It hides behind the burqa.

Reference:
mariammagsi (2019). Mariam Magsi. [online] Mariam Magsi. Available at: https://mariammagsi.tumblr.com/post/185774401656/as-we-celebrate-with-pride-in-toronto-it-is [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

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The Lovely Bride Hyphemas Portrait  by Eric Dee

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A burqa (also known as chadri or prajna in Central Asia) is an enveloping outer garment worn by women in some Islamic traditions to cover themselves in public. Originating from Arabic: burquʻ or burqaʻ, and Urdu: it is also transliterated burkha, bourkha, burka, burqua, or burqu.

The face-veiling portion is usually a rectangular piece of semi-transparent cloth with its top edge attached to a portion of the headscarf so that the veil hangs down covering the face and can be turned up if the woman wants. In other styles, the niqāb of the veil is attached to one side, and covers the face only below the eyes, allowing the eyes to be seen.

Reference :
Fine Art America. (n.d.). The Lovely Bride Hyphemas Portrait by Eric Dee. [online] Available at: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-lovely-bride-hyphemas-portrait-eric-dee.html.

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Breaking away from stigma, find a voice and let it be heard.

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Finding a sense of community and understanding within peers can be tough if you dont have a peer support group. Many organisations are helping women cope with this issue and it needs to be advertised and people need to be educated about child birth because it is not a magical sensation. It is a traumatic experience wherein a woman goes through severe hormonal changes and it can cause serious damage to their identity and mental health.

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A sense of community in womanhood. This artwork speaks to me about sharing ideas, thoughts and pain.
While growing up my mother would find that sense of community in neighbouring women to speak of her troubles in the household because one only seeks a sense of empathy. Our narrative becomes more relevant when its relatable for another person.
I think I would like to believe that during troubling moments of PPD, women try to find that comfort in other women who can perhaps understand if not help them.
I am aware of a woman who suffered severely from PPD wherein she tried to kill her baby as well as take her own life several times. She had to go through shock therapy for becoming lucid and now she is recovering. This kind of mental damage could be permanent . Is child bearing more important than our own lives? One must wonder about the purpose of raising a child when it makes you feel suicidal.

Reference:
Jaffery, R. (n.d.). What is the Difference Between the Hijab, Niqab and Burka? [online] Culture Trip. Available at: https://theculturetrip.com/middle-east/articles/the-difference-between-the-hijab-niqab-and-burka/.

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It is a fact that women in Pakistan don't receive the necessary support PostPartum and therefore they have a very hard time during the recovery process. Self-harm and loss of identity can be extremely difficult when your own family and husband do not support you through this journey.
It is true that in Central Asia and more so in Pakistan, women are raised to be the child bearers, the home makers but due one cannot do rations when they lose their own sense of rationality and logic after a traumatic incident.
This artwork made by my digitally is my reflection on how ideas and thoughts are embedded inside of you from external sources acting like the hand of god making you feel almost dominated.
Emotional assault is often disguised as indifference and unaddressed emotions but it is still a form of assault. By not offering support you are essentially grinding the human emotions. A mere breakup can cause people to lose their minds, imagine having your entire body breaking up with you. In my opinion, it is important for people to develop compassion.

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“The cure for pain is in the pain itself”  -Rumi

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But for a lot of Pakistani women this pain often goes unnoticed and is unacknowledged, leading to severe mental and physical tolls that they are left to deal with on their own.Postpartum depression has been an underlying condition that is seldom addressed in Pakistan. It is a post-natal health care issue and can be life altering if not threatening.

All our lives, we are told that giving birth is a godly act and it is full of flowers and shopping for baby blankets and beds alike. Childbirth is largely advertised as the “miracle” of birth and it is the child that matters, but it is usually the child bearer that actually faces the traumatic symptoms of postpartum depression. Yes, in a lot of south asian countries , mental health is a taboo.

What can’t be seen, therefore, must not exist.

The symptoms of postpartum can range from depression, irritability, feeling helpless, feeling emotionless and struggling to connect with your child. Moreover, the mothers may have thoughts of hurting themselves and their family. This can surface emotions such as guilt, a disassociation with self and ones’ body, a detachment from social surroundings, to name a few.

Women in Pakistan are still expected to play the child bearer and be the housewife that tends to her child(ren) with the men often working abroad or unavailable to support their wives through this painful experience. A large part of the women in Pakistan and other South Asia countries are raised with the purpose of getting married one day and bearing children, albeit at a young age. However, the circumstances surrounding the consummation of marriage and what comes after are largely unaddressed due to the primitive cultural and religious misguidances. Unbeknownst to them, the serious symptoms of post marital and pre and post natal mental health care is untaught and expected to be an education by way of personal experiences. It is objectively devised for subjective interpretation, be it with lack of emotional and/or medical support.

Through a series of photographs and artwork, we can try to express the sense of urgency regarding these issues. Having been denied mental health support, the sufferer (the mother in our narrative) can essentially be regarded as a victim of assault.

They say a picture can speak a thousand words and through that medium we wish to amplify the importance of something which can’t be seen but only felt.

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Team work