From stigma to support: understanding postpartum mental health

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Tatsadjieu Ngoune Léopoldine Sybile, a 6th-year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of Garoua, Cameroon. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Being a mother is a life-changing experience that offers a woman happiness, challenges, and significant changes. During the four to six weeks following childbirth, a mother may have mental disorders, which can even persist for a year (1). Postpartum mental health disorders typically resolve spontaneously, with a remission rate of about 53%. (2). However, if appropriate care is not received, 40% of cases may recur. Therefore, identifying and treating these maternal disorders is crucial to avoiding long-term effects on both women and their children. Although numerous governmental programs have been established to address maternal mortality, mental illness is frequently left out of these endeavors (3).

Negative attitudes and beliefs about postpartum depression still persist.
Three characteristics are identified as stigmas: ignorance or disinformation, bias that can cause emotional reactions, and behavioral issues (discrimination, such as avoiding someone who is depressed) (4). Both intrinsic (hormonal changes) and extrinsic factors (social support and environment) contribute to postpartum mental health issues. Recognizing symptoms (emotional, cognitive, and physical) and identifying the contributing factor is a critical step in the diagnosis and providing adequate treatment (1). According to WHO, 13% of women worldwide often experience mental health disorders after delivering (5). These conditions are primarily divided into four groups based on differences in their severity, duration, and manifestation. This includes postpartum depression (PPD), postpartum anxiety disorders, postpartum psychosis, and baby blues characterized by persistent sadness, panic disorders, hallucinations, and short-lived mood fluctuations, respectively (1,3,6).

Addressing postpartum mental health issues requires the involvement of family and friends, mental health specialists, and other healthcare providers. This multidisciplinary strategy helps to guarantee the health of both mothers and their newborns and provide adequate strategies to overcome postpartum mental health stigma. Prenatal education serves as a compass to help mothers navigate the complex range of emotions that can surface after giving birth. This training procedure gives pregnant mothers a thorough awareness of the emotional difficulties they may face after giving birth. Hence, mothers are more equipped to identify the fluctuations in their emotional states, preventing needless anxiety or confusion (7). A culture of open and honest communication between spouses encourages mothers to feel free to express their emotions and ask for assistance when necessary. Sharing duties for domestic chores, caregiving, and other everyday tasks can greatly lessen the mother’s workload and provide her more time and space to concentrate on her recovery (8). By encouraging the release of endorphins, also known as “feel-good” hormones, exercise serves as a natural mood enhancer. These endorphins aid in reducing tension, anxiety, and even depressive symptoms. Yoga, strolling, swimming, and other low-impact workouts are examples of activities that enhance both physical and mental well-beings in the postpartum stage (9).

An essential step toward promoting postpartum mental health wellbeing is envisioning a future in which no woman faces challenges alone. Comprehensive support and care should empower them to navigate the challenges of motherhood with resilience.

REFERENCES

​​1. Modak A, Ronghe V, Gomase KP, Mahakalkar MG, Taksande V, Modak A, et al. A Comprehensive Review of Motherhood and Mental Health: Postpartum Mood Disorders in Focus. Cureus [Internet]. 2023 Sep 29 [cited 2025 May 20];15(9). Available from: https://www.cureus.com/articles/187209-a-comprehensive-review-of-motherhood-and-mental-health-postpartum-mood-disorders-in-focus 

​2. Chrzan-Dętkoś M, Walczak-Kozłowska T, Lipowska M. The need for additional mental health support for women in the postpartum period in the times of epidemic crisis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth [Internet]. 2021 Dec 1 [cited 2025 May 20];21(1):1–9. Available from: https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-021-03544-8 

​3. Wisner KL, Murphy C, Thomas MM. Prioritizing Maternal Mental Health in Addressing Morbidity and Mortality. JAMA Psychiatry [Internet]. 2024 May 1 [cited 2025 May 20];81(5):521–6. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2814936 

​4. Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 20]. Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/promotion-prevention/maternal-mental-health 

​5. Carlson K, Mughal S, Azhar Y, Siddiqui W. Perinatal Depression. StatPearls [Internet]. 2025 Jan 22 [cited 2025 May 20];1–3. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/ 

​6. Thorsteinsson EB, Loi NM, Farr K. Changes in stigma and help-seeking in relation to postpartum depression: Non-clinical parenting intervention sample. PeerJ [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2025 May 20];2018(11):e5893. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6230434/ 

​7. Jack SM, Duku E, Whitty H, Van Lieshout RJ, Niccols A, Georgiades K, et al. Young mothers’ use of and experiences with mental health care services in Ontario, Canada: a qualitative descriptive study. BMC Womens Health [Internet]. 2022 Dec 1 [cited 2025 May 20];22(1):1–16. Available from: https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-022-01804-z 

​8. Corrigan CP, Kwasky AN, Groh CJ. Social Support, Postpartum Depression, and Professional Assistance: A Survey of Mothers in the Midwestern United States. J Perinat Educ [Internet]. 2015 Jan 1 [cited 2025 May 20];24(1):48–60. Available from: https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrjpe/24/1/48 

​9. Symptoms of Depression Among Women | Reproductive Health | CDC [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 20]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/depression/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/depression/index.htm?utm_medium=email&utm_source=transaction 

About the author

Tatsadjieu Ngoune Léopoldine Sybile is a 6th-year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of Garoua, Cameroon. She has a strong interest in strengthening health systems. As a member of the Cameroon Medical Students’ Association (CAMSA), Sybile has held various positions, progressing from local roles to national responsibilities. She currently occupies the post of National Officer of Research Exchange of SCORE-CAMSA (Standing Committee on Research Exchange of the Cameroon Medical Students Association). Her dedication to improving healthcare and her active involvement in CAMSA reflect her commitment to the medical field and her community.