TN Pilots Mental Healthcare for Pregnant Women & New Mothers

Disclaimer: The following article may contain words and themes that are sensitive. This material is for awareness purposes only.

Tamil Nadu is gearing up to screen expectant and new mothers for mental health challenges at primary health centers. Village Health Nurses (VHNs) and medical officers in Villupuram district are undergoing training  to identify mental health challenges, especially depression, during the antenatal and postnatal periods and provide them with speedy and effective care. Doctors from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) said that according to global statistics, antenatal depression is prevalent between 10 to 20% in mothers to be. 

Perinatal is the entire period of the birthing process from the time of conception up until a year or two of giving birth. Antenatal is the period during pregnancy or before giving birth while postnatal refers to the time after the child is born. The Thai Manam project will kick off in four blocks of Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu by partnering with the Institute of Mental Health, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology and the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.

Read More: Connection between perinatal depression & risk of suicide

Importance of Mental Healthcare for New Moms

Many factors can actively contribute to depression and other mental health challenges during the perinatal period. Perinatal depression has been described as a mood disorder which can be prolonged in its impact. Women with a family history of mental illness like depression or bipolar disorder also may experience it. Some causes that specifically contribute to this have been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

• Poverty
• Migration
• Extreme Stress
• Violence including domestic, gender-based and sexual
• Conflict and emergency situations
• Natural disasters
• Lack of social support

Read More: Mothers Need Care Too: Reframing Maternal Mental Health

Why is Mental Healthcare Important During and After Pregnancy?

The World Health Organization data has revealed that 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience mental disorders, especially depression. Data has shown that this is much higher in developing countries with at least 20% of women experiencing clinical depression after childbirth. If this is not addressed in an appropriate manner, it can pose severe risks including suicide and self-harm. It can also affect the growth and development of the child in cases of critical maternal distress. 

Read More: Why Do Women Face Mental Health Issues During And After Pregnancy?

Effect of Mental Health Illness on Mother and Child

A mother with depression may fail to care for herself in the manner required including eating, bathing, etc. which increases the risk of other illnesses. This can particularly also affect very young infants who are dependant on safe and healthy environments and care. It will also impact mother-child bond and breastfeeding if not identified and treated. An expecting or new mother who is in a distressed or violent situation with little to no support can suffer severely which can also additionally affect the child in the long-term.

Signs of Perinatal Depression

The symptoms vary according to individual situations and can be fewer and mild in some while others experience it to a severe degree, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

• Hopelessness or Pessimism
• Sad, anxious or empty mood either daily or up to two weeks
• Irritability, frustration, restlessness
• Guilt, feeling worthless and helpless
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
• Fatigue or abnormal lack of energy
• Difficulty in concentration, indecisiveness
• Difficult in sleeping and waking up
• Abnormal appetite changes and unplanned weight changes
• Physical pains with no clear cause that are unresponsive to treatment
• Trouble with emotionally attaching to the baby
• Continuous doubt on caring for baby
• Thoughts of self-harm, suicide or harming the baby

Post-partum Body-shaming In India Can Lead To Mental Health Dip

Earlier this year, Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif was body-shamed for showing changes post her pregnancy. Many people shamed her change in appearance after the birth of her first child while many others came to her defense. India has a history of shaming new mothers for changes post-pregnancy which can lead to mental health challenges. In women who already have depression, anxiety or body insecurities, it can trigger further complications that affect both mother and child. Several studies have highlighted that women face these issues because of societal and family pressures, increasing expectations and unrealistic social media expectations and boundaries.

Read More: Moms Defend Katrina Kaif After Pregnancy Trolling

Conclusion

Perinatal Depression screening seems like another step forward in addressing mental health concerns, particularly among mothers. The pilot session shows a promising step towards identification and effective treatment. This will in-turn not only facilitate healthier pregnancies but also encourage more women to step up for treatment. This move by Tamil Nadu could be a pioneer in mental healthcare among expectant and new mothers which in-turn contributes to healthier child-birth .

References +

• BBRC https://bbrc.in/body-shaming-and-its-trepidation-on-the-postpartum-condition-of-women-a-psychological-study/
• CB https://currentaffairs.chetanbharat.com/perinatal-mental-health-villupuram-pilot/
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/posts/thaimanam-imin-perinatalmentalhealth-ugcPost-7513437343702319104-ZF_K/
• NIH http://nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/perinatal-depression
• The Hindu https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/initiative-to-strengthen-perinatal-mental-healthcare-to-be-piloted-in-villupuram-district/article71657511.ece
• WHO https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/promotion-prevention/perinatal-mental-health