Resilient Mothers, Fragile Systems: Addressing Postpartum Mental Health in Bangladesh and Beyond

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Sharif Mohammad Sadat, a medical student from Bangladesh. He 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.

In Bangladesh, motherhood is often seen as a symbol of strength and sacrifice. Yet, for many young mothers, especially during crises, becoming a mother brings not only physical challenges but also significant psychological strain. Conditions like postpartum depression, anxiety, and trauma-related stress remain largely unrecognized, stigmatized, and unsupported within the country’s healthcare system. These challenges are not unique to Bangladesh; they resonate across much of the Asia-Pacific, where mental health is frequently sidelined, and maternal care systems struggle to integrate emotional wellbeing.

While conducting research in collaboration with UNESCO as a Youth Researcher on “Assessing the Impacts on the Mental Health of Young Pregnant Women Due to the Social Unrest in Bangladesh in 2024,” we found that the social unrest severely disrupted maternal healthcare and deeply affected young pregnant women. The crisis revealed how fragile and unprepared health systems are when it comes to safeguarding the emotional and reproductive needs of mothers. Among 444 women aged 18 to 30 across eight divisions, nearly three-quarters reported pregnancy-related complications. These were not only medical issues but also consequences of chronic stress, fear, and healthcare breakdown during the unrest.

Half of the women missed the recommended antenatal check-ups, mainly due to safety concerns and restricted mobility. More than a third of pregnancies were unplanned, reflecting disrupted access to contraceptives and reproductive health counseling. Despite over 76% understanding the importance of maternal mental health for child development, only about 30% accessed professional psychological support. Most had to rely on family or cope alone, as fear and logistical barriers prevented them from reaching overstretched services.

This is not merely a failure of individual support but a systemic problem. Mental health remains detached from maternal care in Bangladesh and many parts of the Asia-Pacific. Psychological screening is rare, specialized support is limited to urban centers, and during crises, even basic reproductive services become inaccessible.

However, this crisis highlights an urgent truth: postpartum mental health is essential, not optional. A mother’s emotional wellbeing affects her physical health, her child’s development, and the resilience of her family. Ignoring this perpetuates cycles of vulnerability, affecting generations.

To address this, health systems must evolve. Maternal mental health needs to be integrated into all antenatal and postnatal care. Community-based services, mobile mental health support, and crisis preparedness must become standard. Frontline workers require training to recognize and respond to emotional distress, while policies must ensure every woman, regardless of income or location, can access respectful, culturally competent care.

Bangladeshi mothers are undeniably resilient, but resilience should not mean suffering in silence. We must build health systems that match their strength with real support. The lessons from 2024’s social unrest are a powerful reminder of what happens when maternal mental health is neglected during crises and an urgent call for reform, not only in Bangladesh but across the Asia-Pacific.

A healthy mother is not just the cornerstone of a healthy family; she is the foundation of a healthy future. When we care for mothers, we invest in the wellbeing of generations to come. That is a future every nation must fight for.

About the author

Sharif Mohammad Sadat is a medical student from Bangladesh, currently serving as the Regional Director for Asia-Pacific at the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA). He works as a Youth Researcher with the UNESCO Youth Advisory Group, specializing in maternal mental health and public health issues. A dedicated global health advocate, Sadat champions sustainable healthcare and equitable access for marginalized communities. His efforts focus on enhancing health system resilience and integrating mental health services into maternal care.

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