Why are mothers depressed?

A study by a Canadian varsity states that there has been a 41 per cent rise from 15 per cent in pre-pandemic times in women suffering from maternal depression

A recent study reveals that there has been an alarming rise in post-natal depression during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The study was carried out by the University of Alberta in Canada and reported in a British newspaper. According to the report, there has been a 41 per cent increase - from the earlier 15 per cent pre-pandemic - in women suffering from maternal depression. The number of those experiencing mild to high anxiety symptoms has reportedly increased from 29 per cent to 72 per cent.

Dr Sudeshna Ray, senior consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Jaslok and HN Reliance Hospital, says that postpartum depression is an entity in itself. "While postpartum blues is a very mild form of postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety is related to constant sadness and general anxiety that interferes with the whole experience of giving birth. Mothers at this stage are already facing a lot of hormonal changes and the pandemic is just an added stressor," says Dr Ray.

Neha Mukherjee, counselling psychologist and PhD scholar, faced postpartum anxiety in the pandemic. What amplified it was that she couldn't visit her gynaecologist as often as needed

Sandhya Soans, an assistant manager with a digital marketing and content creation firm in Dubai,delivered a baby girl last month. When Soans was five weeks pregnant she tested positive for Covid-19. This, she says, led to severe anxiety and hypertension. "People say that pregnancy is a period everyone cherishes, but for me, it was traumatic. Post delivery, my mother contracted the virus. I had been banking on her to help me sail through this period. Having a child is overwhelming, and I have an anxious personality. Even before Covid, I would wear a mask while traveling," shares Soans. She believes providing constant reassurance to expectant mothers is vital for their wellbeing.

Dr Shubhangi Parkar, psychiatrist and former professor and head, department of psychiatry at KEM Hospital, agrees. Unflinching emotional support is something that mothers look for even post delivery, especially in a pandemic-like situation. "Everyone is already troubled by the thought of contracting the virus. Moreover, expectant mothers tend to be assailed by self-doubt and anxiety about added responsibility...There's also the nagging doubt whether she's going to be a good parent. I have had cases where the mother isn't ready after she delivers, and has contemplated handing over the baby to the doctor. This happens due to lack of preparedness," explains Dr Parkar.

Dr Sudeshna Ray

Neha Mukherjee, a counselling psychologist and PhD scholar, too, faced postpartum anxiety in the pandemic. What amplified the anxiety was that she couldn't visit her gynaecologist as often as she needed. "At times, when you are apprehensive about the wellbeing of your child, it's your gynaec who is able to guide you. Because of the lockdown, I couldn't visit her, so not having answers to the changes happening in my body or even confirming if my baby is doing okay left me stressed." Being a counsellor, Mukherjee knew that she had to learn to take control of her body. Post delivery, she started with self therapy like repeating positive affirmations and discussing her anxiety with her counsellor friends over the phone.

Malvika Fernandes, counselling psychologist, believes it is imperative for relatives, especially the husband to not downplay or undermine the anxiety that the woman is going through; (right) Sandhya Soans, an assistant manager in digital marketing and content creation in Dubai, delivered a baby girl last month. When Soans was five weeks pregnant she tested positive for Covid-19

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To avoid postpartum blues, Dr Ray suggests that couples be fully prepared. "Panic sets in when you're not [prepared]. A mother who has chosen to have a child in the pandemic must be aware that assistance and privileges during her delivery may not be available like they would've been pre-pandemic. They also need to register in a hospital where COVID deliveries are allowed, irrespective of whether they have Covid-19 or not. It may happen that a mother contracts the virus at the last moment. An unregistered patient will be turned down by every private hospital," says Ray.

Dr Shubhangi Parkar

Malvika Fernandes, a counselling psychologist, says the husband should not downplay or undermine the anxiety that the woman is going through. "During pregnancy and post pregnancy, a woman's body goes through a lot of wear and tear. She also ends up taking stress about financial issues, parenting and dealing with the in-laws. So, the husband has to be a pillar of support," says Fernandes.

Tips to beat pospartum blues

. It is essential to be patient and accept the situation you are in
. Educate yourself about the pandemic, from the right sources.This is so that you're prepared
. Maintain hygiene at all times
. Be in touch with your gynaecologist, because s/he knows your case best
. Join support groups, where mothers share similar experiences. But make sure you pick and choose wisely

Courtesy/Dr Sudeshna Ray and Malvika Fernandes