Maternal mental health has become a growing concern in Nigeria, as there is an increase in the number of women experiencing emotional distress before, during, and after childbirth. Hence, every year, from April 29 through May 5, is recognised as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), maternal mental health problems, including postpartum depression and anxiety, affect up to 20 per cent of women globally. However, in Nigeria, the situation is particularly severe due to several factors, including limited access to healthcare, cultural stigmatisation, and pervasive poverty.
A report by the Federal Ministry of Health found that over 30 per cent of mothers in Nigeria experience some form of psychological distress during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Moreover, estimates suggest that up to 10 per cent of Nigerian women develop postpartum depression, with many more cases going undiagnosed or untreated.
The consequences of poor maternal mental health can be severe, not only for the mother but also for her child and family. For example, mothers with postpartum depression may experience bonding difficulties with their infants and may have difficulties carrying out daily activities. Additionally, untreated maternal mental health problems can have long-term effects on the child’s development, leading to issues such as cognitive delays, behavioural problems, and poor educational outcomes.
Highlighting some of the impact of maternal mental health on women, mental health coach and emotional health specialist, Dr. Ada Ikeoko, said mental health expresses in a wide range of symptoms such as depression, stress and post-traumatic stress.
“It is important for people to acknowledge what is happening to them and they need to understand the problem for what it is. A lot of people express anxiety which is common in maternal mental health in various ways like fear, panic and even depression,” she said.
Health experts also affirm that maternal mental health is not only a women’s issue; it also affects their partners and children, and the society at large. Therefore, it requires a comprehensive and integrated approach from healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders.
The roots of the problem go beyond the challenges of childbirth and the postpartum period. Nigeria is a country of over 200 million people, with over 60 per cent of its population living below the poverty line. This means that many women cannot afford quality healthcare, including mental health services.
Moreover, there is still significant social stigmatisation attached to mental health issues, particularly among women, who are expected to shoulder most of the care responsibilities in Nigerian households. As such, maternal mental health is often ignored or seen as a sign of weakness or spiritual shortcomings.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the already critical situation. The pandemic has led to an increase in poverty, limited access to healthcare facilities, and increased stress, all of which can increase the risk of maternal mental health problems.
Dr. Ikeoko in her observation said, “A lot of people expressed anxiety when the index or first case was reported of the Italian man who came into Nigeria and tested positive. Since then, there has been increasing anxiety, fear, panic, hysteria and paranoia.
“Social distancing has also caused increased irritability, more argument, misunderstanding between family members among others and there are significant psychological problems associated with COVID-19 as a result of this such as stress, depression and post-traumatic stress.”
In response to this pressing issue, several non-governmental organisations and mental health professionals in Nigeria have taken steps to raise awareness and provide support services to mothers and families affected by maternal mental health problems.
In addition to NGOs, the Nigerian government has also made efforts to address maternal mental health in the country. In 2018, the Federal Ministry of Health launched a Mental Health Action Plan, which seeks to improve mental health services across the country, including maternal mental health.
The plan’s objective is to reduce maternal mental health problems’ prevalence by increasing awareness of maternal mental health issues, providing training to healthcare providers, and developing screening tools.
However, the effectiveness of government initiatives and their implementation leaves much to be desired, due to limited budgets, capacity issues, and other factors.
Overall, addressing maternal mental health is a critical issue that requires the cooperation and coordination of various stakeholders, including government, NGOs, and mental health professionals.
Maternal mental health is an issue that affects communities across all social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. It is vital that Nigeria addresses this issue to ensure women, children, families, and communities can thrive.
