Consultant Physician in Genito-Urinary Medicine and HIV Medicine, Dr Vanessa Appea, has identified inadequate family support, previous mental health conditions and fertility struggles as some of the major factors that increase a woman's risk of developing maternal depression.

Speaking on GhanaWeb's Health Focus, she said women who go through pregnancy and childbirth without strong support systems are particularly vulnerable.

Nearly 50% of new, expectant mothers face mental health struggles - Expert

"One of the most crucial things is support. If they haven't got any support, they may not have a partner, or they may not have family members around," she said.

According to Dr Appea, women who relocate to new countries or communities away from family also face higher risks because they often lack people they can rely on during pregnancy and after delivery.

She added that a previous history of mental illness, a family history of mental health conditions, complicated pregnancies and multiple births can also increase the likelihood of maternal depression.

Dr Appea further highlighted fertility struggles as an often-overlooked contributor to maternal mental health challenges.

"An area that we don't talk about enough is that for many women who have struggled to get pregnant, that emotional toll of going through that journey... can manifest in different ways."

Drawing from her personal experience, she disclosed that she experienced fertility challenges before having her children.

"I went through a lot of fertility issues... I feel so blessed to have them... but it was a lot."

Despite receiving support from her husband, mother, friends and family, she admitted motherhood remained difficult.

"My friends and family were wonderful. They didn't wait to be asked. They were there, and that's what made the difference."

She encouraged families to become active support systems for mothers instead of assuming they will naturally cope with the emotional demands of childbirth.

Understanding Maternal Mental Health



NA/BAI