Despite increased awareness of mental health issues, postpartum depression continues to be overlooked in healthcare and workplace environments. Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director at International SOS, emphasizes that the emotional wellbeing of new mothers should be a public health priority, not just a personal concern.
While society applauds women’s achievements in various realms, the challenges of motherhood, particularly in the postpartum period, often go unnoticed. The cognitive load that new mothers carry extends beyond the physical demands of childbirth. It includes mental stress from constant vigilance, emotional labor, sleep deprivation, and the ongoing decision-making involved in caregiving. This mental burden, referred to as cognitive load, is compounded by managing newborn care, family expectations, work responsibilities, and societal pressures to recover quickly post-birth.
Research indicates that approximately 20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, yet many remain undiagnosed or untreated. Factors such as stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate healthcare resources contribute to this issue. Dr. Vora warns that failing to address maternal mental health can lead to serious health consequences, including cardiovascular disease, anxiety disorders, weakened immunity, and metabolic issues. Mental exhaustion can manifest as chronic fatigue and reduced motivation, negatively impacting the mother’s health, the child’s development, and overall family wellbeing.
Cultural expectations often compel women to balance motherhood with professional duties and household responsibilities, leading to what is commonly referred to as a ‘second shift.’ More than 60% of working mothers report handling the majority of domestic tasks, regardless of their professional commitments. This imbalance further exacerbates their mental health struggles.
To combat postpartum depression and improve maternal mental health, a shift from passive acknowledgment to active intervention is essential. Healthcare systems, policymakers, and employers must collaborate to implement universal postpartum mental health screenings, increase access to therapy, and establish supportive workplace policies, including mental health resources for returning employees.
Workplaces should debunk the myth that resilience equates to suffering in silence. Flexible work arrangements, empathetic leadership, and accessible mental health resources can facilitate smoother transitions for new mothers and foster long-term engagement in their roles. Investments in maternal mental health yield benefits that extend beyond individual wellbeing, fostering healthier families and communities. Mothers are integral to societal foundations and their mental health should not be sacrificed for the sake of productivity. Recognizing and prioritizing maternal mental health is essential for the health of future generations.
