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Durban – During Mental Illness Awareness Month, in July, the focus will be on alarming rates of global and local depression among women who give birth (prenatal) and those who give birth (postnatal) .
According to the World Health Organization, about 10% to 13% of women suffer from prenatal and postnatal depression in the world, whereas in most developing countries the condition affects 20% of mothers. In contrast, more than 40% of African women suffer from diabetes.
Shouqat Mugjenker, portfolio manager of mental health for Pharma Dynamics, says that no woman is immune to ante or postnatal depression, but research shows that women "The high burden of postnatal depression in sub-Saharan Africa is likely due to women's exposure to a number of risk factors, which may include poverty, Spousal abuse and the threat. "Depression can affect many new mothers and can start a few months before childbirth or at any time during the first year after childbirth. suddenly or over time Most women feel tears and anxious in the first few weeks after childbirth, which is quite normal and commonly known as "baby blues," but if feelings of sadness and bad mood last more than two or three weeks, Postnatal depression puts mother and child at risk, as some mothers may turn to smoking, drugs or alcohol to help them get out of it and, therefore, neglect to take care of their newborns, making early identification and essential treatment. Postnatal depression also makes it difficult to bond with your baby, which can make babies more stress-responsive and difficult to calm. 'Unfortunately, postnatal depression is often not diagnosed as symptoms, such as loss of interest in life, lack of energy, increased irritability, persistent feelings of sadness , guilt and despair. are often rejected or neglected. New mothers are facing tremendous changes ranging from fluctuating hormones to mental and emotional adjustment to the ceaseless demands of a baby. Many symptoms of depression such as lack of sleep, reduced or increased appetite, concentration problems and fatigue are also badociated with having a new baby at home, making the diagnosis even more difficult, "explains Mugjenker. the gap that still exists in the detection of depression among pregnant women and new mothers in sub-Saharan Africa. A number of screening tools have been tested in the country, but most are time consuming and difficult to administer in busy and underfunded nursery clinics.
"If you have any of these symptoms, consult your clinic, general practitioner or local psychiatrist, who can confirm a diagnosis and advise you on the best way to manage the disease in the future. . With the proper help and treatment, you will be able to take care of yourself, other family members and your baby, "Mugjenker encourages.
For more information on prenatal and postnatal depression, visit the Pharma Dynamics website: www.letstalkmh. co.za or contact their toll-free hotline at 0800 205 026, which is staffed by qualified advisors, available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, seven days a week.
Mercury Function
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