Confronting Postpartum Depression: Awareness and Advocacy

Nearly one in ten women experience symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) within the first week to a year after childbirth in Mexico, according to the Ministry of Health (SSA). While PPD often goes untreated, increasing awareness and advocacy can help reduce preventable pregnancy-related deaths and improve the well-being of mothers and their families.

 A 2023 study, titled “Breastfeeding Practices and Postpartum Depression in Mexican Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” revealed a significant increase in PPD rates, rising to 27.1% from a pre-pandemic range of 13.3% to 18%. This stark rise suggests that the unique stressors of the pandemic, such as social isolation, economic uncertainty, and disrupted healthcare access, exacerbated mental health challenges for new mothers.

Globally, PPD rates surged during the pandemic, with notable increases observed in various countries: 30% in China, 40.7% in Canada, 34% in Turkey, 32.8% to 47.5% in the United Kingdom, and 38% in the United States.

The Office on Women’s Health highlights that PPD manifests differently in each individual. Symptoms typically include persistent sadness, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and severe fatigue. Unlike the typical "baby blues," which last about two weeks, PPD symptoms can persist much longer, disrupting sleep, appetite, and concentration. This can leave new mothers feeling overwhelmed or hopeless, significantly impacting their overall well-being.

The consequences of untreated PPD can be severe. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, with 53% occurring between seven days and one year postpartum. Despite these risks, PPD often goes untreated, with only 15.8% of diagnosed women receiving the necessary care. Contributing factors include social stigma, limited awareness of treatment options, and challenges in accessing mental health services.

Social stigma surrounding postpartum depression significantly impacts new mothers, often preventing them from seeking the help they need, according to the Lets Talk Stigma Organization. Much of this stigma stems from women feeling pressured to conform to the narrative that motherhood is an idyllic experience filled with joy and fulfillment. This externally imposed expectation can create an overwhelming sense of inadequacy when they struggle to adjust to their new roles. As a result, some may internalize negative messages suggesting that admitting to difficulties means there is something fundamentally wrong with them. This fear of judgment can lead to silence, making it harder to share their experiences and seek support.

In Mexico, only 37% of obstetric clinics offering mental health services have depression detection protocols, and 40% have strategies to provide medical attention to depression cases, as reported by National Institute of Public Health (INSP) . Mexico City and the State of Mexico have the highest coverage of mental health services for women, while hospitals and clinics in the northern and southern regions lack protocols to address postpartum depression.

Overall, health systems that prioritize accessibility can help ensure comprehensive care for both physical and mental health needs. Digital health experts can leverage technology to bridge gaps in care by offering remote counseling and virtual healthcare experiences, alongside connecting new mothers to support groups and educational resources, resorts Biogen.