Beyond The Bump: Tackling The Stigma Of Mental Health

Pregnancy is such an extraordinary time filled with anticipation for the new life ahead and the journey into motherhood. However, it can also bring about feelings of anxiety and body image issues for many individuals.

Unfortunately, there is still stigma around mental health, which can make expectant parents hesitant to seek help. This can have negative effects on both the parents and the baby. Societal expectations on mothers can make them feel guilty and ashamed for struggling during what is supposed to be a happy time, and the fear of judgment from others only adds to their distress. As a result, many expectant mothers and their families suffer in silence for a long time.

Societal Expectation

Lack of acceptance from families and partners can make mothers feel lonely. Often, family members tend to dismiss mental health issues by citing past successful pregnancies of other women.

This can heighten feelings of disillusionment and loneliness. Left untreated, a woman can feel her situation is unusual since she doesn’t feel happy during her pregnancy.

Diverse issues

Pre-existing conditions such as anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, depression can get exacerbated due to hormonal changes and the stress of pregnancy. These need to be carefully managed and monitored.

An expectant mother may experience a heightened sense of anxiety and worry about labour and childbirth or the responsibility of becoming a parent. Perinatal mental health issues can increase the risk of postpartum depression.

Physical changes in the body can trigger body image issues and lower confidence and self esteem.

Partner’s Support

Making partners and extended families aware of the impact of mental health issues during pregnancy can reduce the stigma. Partners should learn not to dismiss the concerns of the woman and take a compassionate approach. When given support and encouragement, a mother will feel less anxious.

Childbirth classes also offer tons of information on the mental well-being of mothers, which can become a starting point for partners to gain insight into mental health during pregnancy.

Open Communication

Mental health screening is now part of prenatal care. By openly talking about mental health issues, doctors can help normalize such conversations and encourage mothers to share their feelings without shame or fear. Simple inquiries about the mother’s mood and stress levels during a check-up can go a long way in identifying the signs early and reduce the need for interventions.

Preventing stigma around mental health needs a multifaceted approach. By normalizing discussions around mental health, doctors can lead the charge in creating a supportive and empathetic environment for expectant mothers and their families.