Covid Awareness

Mental health of a mother in a COVID-19 ERA

MENTAL HEALTH OF A MOTHER IN A COVID-19 ERA

Maternal mental health is a primary concern worldwide, more so during this COVID-19 era. Expecting mothers and mothers of very young children are scared of their own as well as their children’s health. The World Health Organisation has declared it a priority to help development in countries due to its impact on maternal and child health. Almost 10% of pregnant women and 13% of new mothers all over the world suffer from maternal depression. In developing countries like India, the numbers are much higher, going up to 16% for pregnant women and 20% for mothers. Adjustments for maternal care, more specifically for mental health, have therefore become imperative.

What is maternal depression? During this period, mothers experience consistent low moods and emotional instability. This may be accompanied by crying, anxiety, excessive guilt, disturbed sleep, and appetite along with fatigue. Although these can be similar to the common behavioral and emotional state of a new or soon to be mother, they are significantly more severe in expression and can become the cause of a fractured mother-child relationship. Depression is an extremely debilitating disease and in the case of new mothers, it makes them less responsive to their child’s needs, which can result in long term effects for the child. The current scenario has significantly affected the mental health of the mass, especially for expecting and new mothers. The pandemic has created a world that constantly fears for its life. Having to remain isolated from our loved ones leaves little room for emotional support from our friends or family. This may become the cause of increased depression that is observed in new mothers. The problem is that a large number of people think of this as postpartum blues and label it as a ‘phase that will pass’. The long term effects that the mother’s mental health has on their child is relatively less known.

Certain stressors that are part of the pregnancy are heightened during this pandemic: the fear of childbirth, uncertainty, anxiety related to the pregnancy and outcomes of childbirth. In these situations, it is recommended to reach out to family and friends for support, for people to be there to help the new mothers through their journey. Due to the imposed quarantine, these options have been taken away and the perceived social support is making this period even more difficult for these mothers.

Maternal mental health impacts various aspects of the child’s life that need to be anticipated. It influences their behavioural and cognitive development, as well as their emotional growth and temperament. At different stages of life, this would manifest in the child in different ways. When the child is an infant, maternal depression would cause the mother to either be intrusive or withdrawn from the child. Intrusiveness produces a hostile effect and makes the child turn away from the mother. The child will come up with a protective style of coping and internalizing emotions. On the other hand, a withdrawn mother would cause her child to be unable to cope and self-regulate. It hampers their cognitive development like learning, interacting, and processing information.

Between the ages of 1-3, a large number of changes take place in the child. When mothers are less responsive and attentive (due to depression) to their toddlers and preschoolers, the children show less maturity for their age compared to those of non-depressed mothers. A study showed that children of depressed mothers can be more aggressive and non-compliant, they are less accepting of friendly approaches from others. Maternal depression is also shown to affect the academic performance of their children. It results in lower IQ scores and special educational needs. Due to the lack of attention by their mothers, children may develop ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) which is marked by lack of the ability to focus and extreme levels of activity. Studies have found an association between depression and anxiety in mothers and ADHD in their children up to the age of 17 years.

Furthermore, the mother’s mental health will influence their child’s mental health too. Children are highly perceptive of their surroundings and are affected by their mother’s well-being. The stress that Covid-19 is presenting, in terms of financial support, social support, the uncertainty of the future etc., is taking a toll for the worse on new mothers. This added stress is not healthy for the them, it can affect their mental and physical health, as well as the production of milk and the latching process. It is essential that they seek help in this situation.

There are multiple ways to help and prevent maternal depression :-

• Psychoeducational interventions have been worked upon specifically to deal with pregnant women and new mothers.
• Provision of social support is essential for mothers and regular interventions help them prepare better for their child.
• Educating mothers on behavioral patterns and issues they might face in the process has been proven to be extremely effective.
• Studies have shown that seeking help, even on the phone or online sessions, will go a long way in the betterment of the mother and the child’s health.

The medical community is taking steps to adjust to the new normal, especially for those more vulnerable. Now is the time for families to come together and support each other, and deliver the care that mothers need and deserve all over the world.