KATHMANDU, MARCH 1
Depression is said to affect10 out of every 100 women during pregnancy and 13 out of every 100 women after childbirth.
In developing countries like ours, the rate is even higher, at about 18 per 100 women during pregnancy and about 20 per 100 women after childbirth.
Maternal depression disrupts the mother's daily activities, impairs physical health, increases the risk of suicide, if it is acute, and also the maternal mortality rate. Moreover, the disease has a negative effect on the growth and development of the child.
Studies have shown that if the mother has depression and anxiety disorders during pregnancy, the baby may be born prematurely. Maternal depression after childbirth is detrimental to both mother and baby, because when the mother cannot take care of herself, she cannot take care of her child.
The period of breastfeeding is reduced or the mother does not feel the urge, which means the bond between mother and child will not be very strong.
Lack of proper care increases the child's risk of ailments such as diarrhoea, pneumonia and malnutrition. In cases where depression is severe, the mother may even think of harming her own child.
There are a number of psychosocial issues associated with maternal depression in low- and middle-income countries.
They include unstable marital relationships, premature motherhood, family and social pressures, violence, lack of social support, natural disasters, relocation and ignorance.
As per WHO, a mother can be said to be healthy only when she is physically and mentally healthy. That is, she will be aware of her own abilities and responsibilities, be able to cope with life's various stresses, adapt to adverse environments, work productively and contribute to society. Therefore, the role of the individual, family, society and state is immense in getting a healthy mother.
First, every person, regardless of gender, should realise the importance of protecting the mental health of the mother and fulfill one's responsibilities.
Second, a mother who is in a state of depression should tell the family members and seek treatment from a psychiatrist.
Only then can the disease be detected early on and medication and psychosocial treatment provided in time.
Family responsibilities also include empathy for one another, awareness of other family members and co-operation, stopping violence and eliminating gender inequality. The state's responsibilities include empowering women, ensuring gender equality, arranging various vocational trainings for women, educating the public about mental health and providing special training to the health workers on maternal mental health.
A version of this article appears in the print on March 2, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
