Women's ante and postnatal depression risk is four times higher than the global average

During Mental Illness Awareness Month, special emphasis will be placed on alarming rates Global and local depression Among women who are about to give birth (prenatal) and those who have given birth (postnatal).

According to the World Health Organization, about 10% to 13% of women suffer from prenatal and postnatal depression worldwide. In countries where the disease affects 20% of mothers. In contrast, over 40% of South African women suffer from the disease.

Shouqat Mugjenker, Mental Health Portfolio Manager for Pharma Dynamics, states that "no woman is immune to ante or postnatal depression, but research shows that women" the high burden of depression postnatal in sub-Saharan Africa is likely to be due to women's exposure to a number of risk factors, including poverty, domestic violence, and threat. "Depression can affect many new mothers in many ways. and can start a few months before childbirth or at any time during the first year after childbirth.It may develop suddenly or over time.Most women feel in tears and anxious in the first few weeks after childbirth, which is quite normal and commonly called the 'baby blues', but if the feelings of sadness and bad hu dies 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 cope and, therefore, neglecting 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 such symptoms 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, decreased or increased appetite, concentration problems and fatigue are also badociated with having a new baby at home , which makes the diagnosis even more difficult.

the gap that still exists in detecting depression in 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 local clinic, general practitioner or psychiatrist who will be able to confirm a diagnosis and advise you on the best way to manage the disease at the clinic. 39; 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 Pharmedia Dynamics website: www.letstalkmh. co.za or contact their toll-free helpline on 0800 205 026, which is managed by qualified counselors, available from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week.