Why is the Integration of Perinatal Mental Health in National Programs Crucial?
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Synopsis
Explore the pressing need for integrating perinatal mental health into national programs in India. As postpartum depression and anxiety rates soar among new mothers, experts call for immediate action. Discover the alarming statistics and the imperative steps required to address this critical issue.
Key Takeaways
- Perinatal mental health needs urgent integration into national health programs.
- About 10% of pregnant women and 13% of new mothers face mental disorders.
- Maternal suicides are rising, indicating a need for better support systems.
- Training for healthcare providers is essential to address this issue.
- Sustainable strategies must be implemented to support new mothers effectively.
New Delhi, Sep 22 (NationPress) Health experts emphasized on Monday that there is a critical need to incorporate perinatal maternal mental health into national programs to address issues like postpartum depression, anxiety, and other related conditions affecting new mothers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10% of pregnant women and 13% of new mothers globally endure a mental disorder, predominantly depression.
India witnesses over 25 million births annually, yet a significant number of women suffering from mental health issues during pregnancy and the year post-birth (the “perinatal period”) remain unidentified and untreated, particularly in rural regions.
A recent systematic review highlighted that the prevalence of perinatal depression in India ranges from 14-24% in community-based studies, with some meta-analyses indicating a pooled estimate of around 22% for postpartum depression.
While maternal mortality rates in India have dropped by more than 50% since the early 2000s to 97 deaths per 100,000, the rate of maternal suicides is rising. A recent report from Kerala suggested that maternal suicides constituted nearly one in five maternal deaths in 2020.
“There is an urgent requirement to merge perinatal maternal mental health into national programs in India,” stated Prof. Rajesh Sagar from AIIMS.
During an expert consultation on perinatal mental health in the national capital, the expert expressed concerns regarding the absence of a dedicated initiative to assist new mothers dealing with mental health challenges.
“Although women's mental health is acknowledged in policies like the National Mental Health Policy 2014 and the Mental Health Care Act 2017, there is no specific program or screening mechanism available,” said Sagar.
Experts, including Prof. Prabha Chandra from NIMHANS, pointed out deficiencies in training for healthcare providers, the absence of culturally appropriate tools, and the stigma that deters women from seeking psychological support, even if they are screened positive.
They advocated for state-specific strategies, collaboration among states, capacity building, and mandatory history-taking during antenatal care.
“It is vital to ensure that perinatal mental health is not treated as an isolated issue, as this could amplify the stigma and discrimination faced by women suffering from perinatal mental health disorders; instead, it should be integrated into routine antenatal and postnatal care for pregnant and lactating women, ensuring sustainability,” asserted Dr. Y.K. Sandhya, Program Lead – Mental Health, The George Institute for Global Health India.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of integrating perinatal mental health into health programs. This ensures that new mothers receive the necessary support and care they deserve, particularly in a country with such high birth rates. Addressing mental health is not just about maternal well-being but also about the overall health of families and communities. Action is needed now to prevent further tragedies related to untreated mental health conditions.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is perinatal mental health?
Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional well-being of women during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. It encompasses conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety.
Why is integrating perinatal mental health important?
Integrating perinatal mental health into national programs is vital to identify and treat mental health issues early, ensuring better outcomes for mothers and their children.
What are the statistics on postpartum depression in India?
Studies indicate that the prevalence of postpartum depression in India ranges from 14-24%, with a pooled estimate of around 22% reported in some analyses.
What can be done to improve perinatal mental health support?
Improvements can include state-specific strategies, training for healthcare providers, culturally relevant tools, and mandatory screening during antenatal care.
How does maternal suicide relate to mental health?
Maternal suicide is increasingly contributing to maternal mortality rates, with a significant proportion of maternal deaths linked to untreated mental health conditions.
