Divya Johny, a woman from Kerala who sparked discussions about mental health and postpartum issues, died on April 14. Divya killed her three-and-a-half-month-old baby girl in 2021 after suffering from postpartum depression. The news of the murder shocked everyone but led to a discussion about the mental health of women after childbirth.
Postpartum depression is a medical condition that many women experience after childbirth. It can make it difficult for women to care for themselves as well as their babies. Persistent sadness and anxiety are characteristic of this condition.
According to reports, Divya had been hospitalised after she tried to die by suicide, and later she died due to a heart attack.
Divya, a native of Kollam, was married to a man from Kannur. She was 25 years old when she gave birth to a baby girl. Having lost her mother earlier, she chose to go to her husband’s house after the delivery. The postpartum depression and lack of support from her husband‘s family led her to kill her baby.
Earlier, speaking with the media, she said, nearly 26 days after her delivery, she started to feel irritation while hearing sounds. “On the 27th day, I tried to hurt the child. The next day, I tried to cut my veins. Then I consulted a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with postpartum depression,” she said. Later, she had informed her husband and family that she had a tendency to harm the child. “I asked everyone if someone else could take care of the baby for a few days. But everyone insisted that mother should do that,” she added.
She had also shared how she struggled after the childbirth. “There was no one to help me after delivery. My mother-in-law was old, and she had to take her other things into the house. The child used to cry at night, and that affected my sleep. In the morning, I was not able to sleep as the room was so bright and near the television room. So, my sleeping cycle was completely disrupted,” she said.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.