Ensuring the mental health of women during pregnancy, delivery and postnatal care is crucial for their overall well-being and the health of their babies. Here are five ways health-care workers can play a vital role in supporting women’s mental health:
1. Create a supportive and non-judgemental environment
People tend to feel more comfortable talking about their concerns when they are treated with compassion and respect in a safe space. Health-care workers should strive to create an environment where women can openly share their feelings and experiences without fear of stigma or judgement. This will encourage them to seek the help they need.
2. Educate about the importance of mental health
Education is a powerful tool in promoting mental health awareness. Women who understand the importance of mental health and how to recognize symptoms are more likely to seek help when they need it. With permission, health-care workers should also educate women’s partners and close family members so they can provide appropriate support during and after pregnancy. Empowering women and their families with knowledge will encourage them to take proactive measures to address any mental health issues that occur.
3. Identify mental health issues
Early detection of mental health issues is essential for effective intervention. Health-care workers should identify signs of depression and anxiety that arise during and after pregnancy, which will allow for timely management of mental health concerns, ensuring women receive the necessary support.
4. Provide coordinated mental health treatment, care and support
When needed, women should be provided with specialist referral and counselling services, as well as a safe space to discuss their feelings and challenges encountered during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Professional guidance and emotional support can significantly improve a woman’s mental well-being and help her navigate the complexities of motherhood.
5. Collaborate with community resources
Health-care workers should work with community resources so that women can access the wide range of services available to them, including social services and peer support groups. A strong support network can make a significant difference in a woman’s mental health journey, providing her with the necessary resources and connections to thrive.
Let’s work together to ensure every woman receives the mental health support she needs.
For more information and to implement these practices in health facilities, download the Guide for integration of perinatal mental health in maternal and child health services and integrate its guidelines into your maternal and child health services.