For Priscilia, experiencing postpartum depression (PPD) is one one of the worst things a new mum can go through. Having experienced this first hand, she knows all too well what it is. She says; "When I gave birth, I suffered from postpartum depression. It was my first child. When I think back, I was so unprepared for the birth and the issues that come with childbirth. I really didn’t know. Then it happened. It is one of the worst things a new mum can go through.”

Onos, a mum of three has also experienced postpartum depression (PPD). She had two children previously and had looked forward to her third but had been enveloped in sadness after the birth. She says; “ Though the birth was the easiest, two weeks later,  I fell into depression. The stress was too much and my bleeding would not stop. I had no help and my husband was not  around. I was constantly so sad. I knew I needed help. I was always crying for no reason. I didn’t even want to carry my baby. I would watch her cry and it was’nt because I didn’t love her but how I was feeling at the time.”

Postpartum depression (PPD)  according to WebMD  is a complex mix of physical, emotional and behavioural changes that happen in some women after giving birth . Symptoms  ranges from insomnia, loss of interest, feeling of worthlessness, fatigue, severe anger, weight loss, anxiety, suicidal ideations and others.

It has been said that 1 in 5 women experience postpartum depression (PPD). 

Bridging the gap

Onyedikachi Ekwerike, a clinical psychologist,  is the founder, Postpartum Support Network Africa (PSN Africa). The organization seeks to raise awareness on this issue affecting African mothers. He says “ We thought it was imperative to raise awareness and not just raise awareness about the condition but screen mothers while they are pregnant and when they have their babies. When mothers are screened for post natal depression, we then connect them with therapists who help them for free.”

The network has a strong presence across Africa. They carry outreaches directly to hospitals talking to pregnant women.

Bridging the gap of  postpartum depression requires a collective effort. Ekwerike says the organization does not just talk to women alone but other stakeholders involved. The organization is actively involved in training medical personnel.  He says; “ to make progress on this issue we are passionate about, we need to involve other stakeholders. Our training involves nurses on educating, screening and providing support to women during the perinatal period. We have also recorded successes training doctors on how to provide mental health first aid to women suffering from postpartum depression. If you feel something, say something or reach out to us."

Onos got the help she needed when she spoke to a midwife. She says ; “I spoke to a midwife about my feelings and she talked to me about the dangers and further spoke to my husband and I.” She is greatful for the help she received and urges other mums to seek help. She says; “ It  is important to be observant on how you feel and if you do not understand these feelings, you should seek professional help."

We also now live in a Social Media era which is also helping in bridging the gap. Various mum groups are in existence across different social platforms and provide  safe spaces where mothers can express themselves without fear or judgement. The Postpartum Support Network Africa (PSN Africa) also  currently has six support groups for mothers dealing with postpartum depression (PPD). 

With more readily available  channels like these, it is easier to get help right from the comfort of the home, giving more mothers the help they so desperately need. 

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