Amid the excitement of pregnancy or the birth of a new child and/or motherhood, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is a mother's mental health. Maternal mental health is not a widely discussed topic, but it is extremely important. It refers to the emotional, social, and mental well-being of a woman during pregnancy and the postpartum period. During this phase from pregnancy to motherhood, several mental health conditions can affect a woman's mind, and therefore, it is important to watch out for the signs and provide necessary support to those who need it.
Common Mental Health Challenges New Mothers Face
According to Dr Kavitha G Pujar, Consultant - Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Motherhood Hospitals, HRBR Layout, Bengaluru, maternal mental health is more multifaceted than it appears at surface level. "After childbirth, the mother’s hormone levels drop – suddenly. That decline, in conjunction with the overwhelming exhaustion of sleep and the myriad responsibilities that come with the caregiver role of a newborn, can lead to a whirlwind of emotions. Some get what is commonly referred to as “baby blues” – wherein they feel unusually anxious or weepy during the first two weeks. For many, that resolves naturally. But when those feelings don’t ease—or intensify—it may point to postpartum depression or anxiety," she explains.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), about 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience a mental disorder, primarily depression. Shockingly, the numbers are even higher in developing countries, which are 15.6% during pregnancy and 19.8% after childbirth.
In severe cases, when a mother's mental health challenges go unaddressed or she lacks adequate support, it can tragically lead to suicidal thoughts or even suicide.
Signs Of Maternal Mental Health Challenges
It is important to note that the symptoms of mental health issues in mothers may vary. “Some mothers experience detachment from their baby. Others might feel guilt, restlessness, panic, or even rage,” Dr Pujar shares, adding that none of these symptoms indicate that the parents in question are weak; it shows that they are trying to navigate a complex physical and emotional terrain that is along these lines. And this narrative is much more common than we like to talk about.
How Family And Friends Can Provide Support To New Mothers
When it comes to supporting a mother's mental health, family support is of utmost importance. Not only is it important to assess risk factors, but it is also crucial to watch out for the signs.
According to the WHO, virtually all women can develop mental disorders during pregnancy and in the first year after delivery, but poverty, migration, extreme stress, exposure to violence (domestic, sexual and gender-based), emergency and conflict situations, natural disasters, and low social support generally increase risks for specific disorders.
Some of the ways family and friends can show support include:
- Helping out with meals
- Taking over baby duties so she can rest
- Gently checking in can all be categorised as small, yet meaningful gestures.
- Offering judgement-free unconditional reassurance
- Allowing mothers to express their feelings
- Reminding them that seeking assistance helps, empowers and alleviates emotional burdens.
When Should Mothers Consider Professional Guidance?
While new mothers tend to experience some form of emotional distress during the initial stages, sadness, anxiety, or disconnection lasting longer than two weeks will likely need professional assistance, says Dr Pujar.
“Deeply concerning symptoms such as severe mood changes, panic attacks, or feeling detached from the baby need attention and should not be ignored. Help is available now more than it has ever been because of growing understanding and awareness around maternal mental health.”
Can Lifestyle Changes Help Reduce Maternal Stress?
Lifestyle choices also play an important role in helping new mothers cope with stress and anxiety. In fact, Dr Pujar emphasises that even minimal changes in routine can lighten the emotional burden. “Rest is recommended by most experts as much as possible, along with light movements like brief walks, balanced nutrition, and a slight self-care routine each day. Engaging with fellow new mothers, getting some fresh air, or taking quiet moments can help reduce stress levels. It is not about perfecting but rather being supported consistently.”
Conclusion
Motherhood can be beautiful, but it can also feel incredibly overwhelming. But that’s okay. Every mother deserves to feel supported, heard, and cared for, not just physically but emotionally too. By simply checking in, offering a helping hand, or encouraging her to seek help when needed, we can make a world of difference. Let’s start talking more openly about maternal mental health, because no mother should have to go through it alone.
[Disclaimer: This article includes insights from a medical expert and is intended for informational purposes only. Mental health conditions can vary greatly from person to person, so we strongly recommend consulting a qualified mental health professional for personalised advice, diagnosis, or treatment.]