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Maternal Mental Health in India: Understanding the Hidden Struggles and the Path Forward

Writer's picture: Paridhi MehraParidhi Mehra

The journey into parenthood is often celebrated for its joy, excitement, and new beginnings. Yet for many new mothers, it comes with its share of hidden hardships, including isolation, self-doubt, anxiety, and distress. These feelings, often overshadowed by societal expectations and stigma, often make it difficult for mothers to prioritise their mental health.


The Silent Struggle: A Historical Perspective

Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological well-being of mothers during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. Perinatal mental health issues are not new. Historically, mothers have faced these challenges, but cultural norms and stigma have kept these struggles hidden. The belief that “everyone goes through this” has been passed down through generations, making it hard for new mothers to know if what they’re experiencing is normal or if it requires intervention. In India, pregnancy and postpartum care have traditionally focused on physical health, with little attention given to mental well-being.


Why This Matters Now: The Changing Conversation

In recent years, the conversation around mental health has gained momentum. More people, including celebrities, are speaking out about their mental health struggles, helping to break the silence. Women now have more resources and are demanding attention to their mental health needs, reflecting a broader change in how we view and address these issues.


The Current State of Maternal Mental Health in India

India faces significant challenges in maternal mental health. Cultural stigmas and a lack of awareness often mean that women’s mental health struggles go unaddressed. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of baby blues is 80%, and PPD affects 22% of new mothers in India, yet routine postpartum care seldom includes mental health support.


Access to mental health care in India is particularly concerning, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. With only about 0.3 psychiatrists per 100,000 population, far below the global average, there is a pronounced shortage of mental health professionals. The lack of reproductive psychiatrists, who specialize in mental health care during pregnancy and postpartum, further exacerbates the issue. This shortage is compounded by a significant gap in awareness about perinatal mental health, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment.


Moreover, current postpartum care practices lack systematic screening, follow-up, and psychoeducation on mental health issues, leaving new mothers vulnerable. 


What Needs to Be Done

To improve maternal mental health in India, a multi-pronged approach is necessary:

  • Raise Awareness: More people need to talk about perinatal mental health to challenge stigma and encourage early intervention.

  • Integrate Mental Health Care: Routine screenings should be part of prenatal and postnatal care protocols.

  • Educate and Train: Healthcare providers, families, and communities need education about mental health. Training for healthcare professionals is essential to spot and address perinatal mental health issues at an early stage.

  • Expand Organizational Efforts: While there are around 300 mental health startups in India and approximately 1,073 mom & baby care startups, few specifically focus on maternal mental health. More organizations should direct their efforts towards this area.


With around 26 million births annually and a staggering 22% prevalence of postpartum depression, the urgent need for focused attention on perinatal mental health cannot be overstated. The mental well-being of mothers profoundly affects not only their children but the entire family. It’s imperative that policymakers act now to implement comprehensive maternal care policies that address both physical and mental health. The time for systemic change is now, let’s ensure every mother receives the holistic support she deserves.


Positive Developments: States Leading the Way

While there is still much work to be done, some states in India are making good progress with promising examples. Kerala has introduced routine mental health screenings for common mental health issues during prenatal visits. This approach helps identify and address mental health concerns early on.


Karnataka is also making strides with its Matru Chaitanya scheme, which provides counseling for pregnant and lactating women. The Karnataka Health Department has included mental health screening questions in the “Thayi” card, used to track a woman’s health throughout pregnancy. This initiative ensures that mental health is monitored alongside physical health, allowing for early detection and intervention.


Our Commitment

At HappiNest, we are committed to supporting mothers through the complexities of this journey. We provide a range of services, including support groups, one-on-one peer support, specialized therapy, mental health evaluations, and programs tailored for new parents. Our affordable and confidential services ensure that every mother can access the care she needs during this pivotal time.


Visit us at www.happinest.life to learn more about our work or to seek support. We’re here, ready to listen and help.


By addressing maternal mental health openly and compassionately, we can ensure every mother gets the care she needs. Let’s work together to create a future where mental health is prioritized and every mother’s well-being is supported.

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