Pregnant women in South Africa who live in poor communities are more likely to consider or attempt suicide than the general population, but many of them do not have diagnosed depressive or anxiety disorders. Their suicide risk is associated with lower socioeconomic status, food insecurity, intimate partner violence and a lack of social support…read more
Strategies for Reducing and Treating Maternal Mental Health Disorders
Posted onIn South Africa, 47% of pregnant women and 34% of women after birth in low-income settings experience maternal depression. Despite the high prevalence, there is no state-provided programmatic response. Resolved to develop a meaningful response to this hidden crisis, a small group of midwives, volunteer counsellors and a medical doctor envisioned integrating mental health care for mothers at all points of entry in public sector services. The program they implemented was a success and has impacted thousands of lives… read more