4 Postpartum Depression Triggers for Women in Nigeria
The World Health Organization states that 20% of women in developing countries like Nigeria go through postpartum depression (PPD).
The birth of a newborn is often considered a source of joy for mothers. However, some mothers face depression after giving birth and they do not experience the joy that everyone talks about.
Since I gave birth to my first baby said Gloria (Not real name) a young mother, I have suffered mood swings and depressed feelings because of the cesarean operation that I went through. Life hasn’t been the same. It was later I learned about postpartum depression because most checks I did were not focused on my mental.
Postpartum depression is experienced after delivery due to a lot of factors that many mothers are exposed to in Nigeria. It can be fatal when the needed support is not provided.
These factors are postpartum depression triggers for Nigerian mothers.
1. Lack of fulfillment
Giving birth often sounds like a great thing for women but not all women feel so good after giving birth. The feeling of excitement is soon replaced by one of lack of fulfillment and dissatisfaction in mothers who just put to bed. That could be the beginning of post-Partum depression for mothers.
Other symptoms of depression may also set in making life seem miserable for mothers who once thought that giving birth will be the best experience of their lives. If this is giving proper medical attention, mothers may experience an improvement in their mental health and finally get over depression through medical treatment.
2. Financial troubles
In Nigeria that has a very high poverty index, some mothers face untold challenges while giving birth. From the inability to access quality health care to anxiety borne of their inability to meet up the financial obligations of taking care of the newborn, mothers have to go through a lot of financial troubles.
This exposes them to Post-Partum depression.
3. Short maternity
There are a lot of hormonal changes that take place in mothers during and after pregnancy. The result of these changes can affect their moods placing them at risk of depression. Many mothers have to return to their workplace because of the short maternity period given to them.
They have not fully recovered from the emotional changes in their bodies and now have to cope with work and take care of their newborn as well. In a situation like this, they may feel a sense of hopelessness, sadness, and other depression-related symptoms.
4. Work-life balance
Even when a maternity period is offered, mothers will still have to return to work when they are still attached to their babies. Work may take a larger part of their lives and the desire to have some time to themselves and be with their child may trigger depression.
They would not want to lose their jobs or fail to give proper care to the child. Many mothers work long hours and cannot be with their children for as long as they may desire.
Synapse services offers mental health care services for people with different types of mental health issues. Our services include diagnosis and treatment.