Breaking the Silence: Confronting Postpartum Depression and the Urgent Need for Mental Health Checks in Maternal Care

IN A NUTSHELL
 Author's Note  Postpartum depression is far more common than many realize. Globally, around one in five mothers experiences it, with rates as high as one in three in some low- and middle-income countries.

 In Egypt and across the Middle East, studies estimate prevalence at 20–26%, yet up to half of cases remain undiagnosed. The World Health Organization warns that 13% of women suffer from mental disorders—mainly depression—after childbirth, with higher rates in resource-limited settings.

 These aren’t just numbers; they represent mothers who are silently struggling, often without the help they desperately need

By Youmna Abdelnabi

MSc Global Public Health and Social Justice, Brunel University London

PhD Candidate, Lancaster University 

Breaking the Silence

Confronting Postpartum Depression and the Urgent Need for Mental Health Checks in Maternal Care

 

Pregnancy is often described as one of the most magical experiences in a woman’s life—a time when she is creating new life and stepping into the profound role of motherhood. For many, it marks the beginning of a new chapter, a chance to embrace a new identity and discover strengths she never knew she had. However, for some women, this journey is far from blissful. Without warning, they may find themselves engulfed in overwhelming sadness, anxiety, and emotional isolation—feeling disconnected not only from the world around them but also from their newborn. In some cases, these feelings last only a few days or weeks, a period known as the “baby blues.” But for others, the darkness lingers for months—or even years—manifesting as postpartum depression. Unlike the baby blues, postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that requires understanding, support, and timely intervention. Left unaddressed, it can impact a mother’s ability to care for herself, bond with her baby, and fully participate in her own life.

Postpartum depression is far more common than many realize. Globally, around one in five mothers experiences it, with rates as high as one in three in some low- and middle-income countries. In Egypt and across the Middle East, studies estimate prevalence at 20–26%, yet up to half of cases remain undiagnosed. The World Health Organization warns that 13% of women suffer from mental disorders—mainly depression—after childbirth, with higher rates in resource- limited settings. These aren’t just numbers; they represent mothers who are silently struggling, often without the help they desperately need.

One of the biggest reasons many women suffer in silence is fear of being stigmatized or judged. A mother might worry she will be labelled as weak, “too soft,” bluffing, or even ungrateful for her children if she admits she is struggling. In cultures that glorify maternal sacrifice and resilience, these harmful perceptions can prevent women from speaking up or seeking help, leaving them trapped in isolation at a time when they need compassion the most.

Postpartum depression is not only about mood—it has far-reaching consequences for physical health, family wellbeing, and even national health systems. Chronic stress and hormonal changes linked to the condition increase the risk of long-term health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. It is strongly associated with lower breastfeeding initiation and early weaning. Mothers unable to breastfeed have been found to be more than twice as likely to develop depressive symptoms by 16 weeks postpartum, while breastfeeding—especially exclusively for more than one month—can reduce the risk by over a third due to the calming effects of oxytocin and prolactin. Beyond the physical, postpartum depression can disrupt maternal–infant bonding, affecting the baby’s emotional regulation, cognitive development, and long-term mental health. It also has ripple effects on family dynamics, straining marriages, reducing household stability, and impacting siblings’ wellbeing.

Despite these risks, mental health remains a missing piece in routine perinatal care. While new mothers receive multiple gynecological and obstetric check-ups during pregnancy and after birth, their mental health is often overlooked. In most countries, postpartum medical care ends after six to eight weeks, just when symptoms of postpartum depression may be emerging or peaking.

Without structured screening, many women slip through the cracks—especially those facing stigma, lack of awareness, or limited access to mental health services.

This gap in care is avoidable. Maternal mental health deserves the same priority as physical recovery. Integrating mental health check-ups into routine perinatal visits would allow for early detection and timely intervention. Screening with validated tools during pregnancy and at several points after birth, training maternity care providers to recognize symptoms, creating clear referral pathways, and ensuring access to affordable treatment could transform outcomes for countless women. Raising community awareness is equally important to break the stigma and encourage women to seek help without fear or shame.

Maternal mental health is not a luxury—it is a foundation for healthier families, stronger communities, and more resilient societies. Ignoring postpartum depression has generational consequences, affecting not just the mother but her child’s future health, learning, and relationships. It is time to stop treating mental health as an afterthought in maternal care.

A mental health check-up should be as routine as a blood pressure reading at every perinatal visit. By making this change, we can catch more cases early, offer support before crisis hits, and ensure that motherhood begins not in silence and sorrow, but with the dignity, joy, and care every woman deserves.