Academic Research, Blog, Features, , Rifa Tamanna

“Not Just the Baby Blues”: Understanding Post-Partum Depression in Bangladesh

When a baby is born, so is a mother. But in the rush of celebration, the mother’s own emotional turmoil often goes unnoticed. In Bangladesh, many new mothers suffer in silence after childbirth – feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or persistently sad. These experiences are often brushed off as “normal” or signs of weakness. However, this isn’t just the “baby blues”. It could be Post-Partum Depression (PPD), a serious mental health condition that affects both mothers and their babies.

A Silent Epidemic

Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 10–20% of new mothers experience PPD. In low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh, this number can soar even higher. Research shows that up to one in three Bangladeshi mothers may face post-partum depression (WHO, 2023; Nasreen et al., 2011). Despite this alarming figure, awareness remains low, and services are scarce.

A study published in BMC Psychiatry revealed that 22% of rural mothers in Bangladesh exhibited signs of PPD within six weeks of delivery (Nasreen et al., 2011). This figure, while conservative, highlights a larger problem: most cases go undiagnosed and untreated due to societal stigma, gender norms, and lack of mental health services.

           “I didn’t feel happy after my baby was born. I felt numb. I thought I was a bad mother.” — Anonymous mother, Dhaka

This sentiment is echoed across countless households where maternal distress is misunderstood or minimised. Many women are expected to “adjust” quickly, without adequate rest, emotional support, or even acknowledgement of their pain.

What Causes PPD?

Post-Partum Depression doesn’t have a single cause. It is usually triggered by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Hormonal changes after childbirth, sleep deprivation, a history of mental health issues, or a lack of family support can all contribute. In Bangladesh, added stressors like poverty, domestic violence, and limited decision-making power further increase the risk.

A mother experiencing PPD may struggle to bond with her baby, lose interest in daily activities, or even have thoughts of self-harm. Without intervention, the condition can persist for months or longer, deeply affecting maternal and child health.

According to The Lancet, maternal depression significantly impacts early childhood development, including delays in cognitive, emotional, and physical growth (Rahman et al., 2013). This makes addressing PPD not only a mental health issue but also a child rights and public health priority.

Breaking the Silence

The good news is that PPD is treatable. But for recovery to begin, it first needs to be recognised — by the mother, by her family, and by health workers. A collective response is essential.

Here’s what we can do:

  • Listen without judgement: Let mothers share their feelings freely.
  • Encourage mental check-ins: Ask how they’re really doing—not just how the baby is.
  • Connect with professionals: Bangladesh has a growing network of maternal and mental health counsellors, especially in urban areas. Community health workers should be trained to screen and refer.
  • Integrate mental health into SRHR programmes: Maternal well-being is essential to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). Policies and health services must include psychological care as part of maternal care.
  • Believe that – “Mental health is maternal health”.

Toward a More Compassionate Future

Post-Partum Depression isn’t a mother’s failure—it’s a health condition that requires care and empathy. In Bangladesh, we must push to remove the stigma, integrate mental health into maternal care, and provide every mother with the dignity and support she deserves.

Let’s break the silence. Because every mother’s mental health matters — for herself, her baby, and our future.

 

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