Recently, Postpartum Support Network Africa (PSN Africa) held the first ever World Maternal Mental Health Day Conference in Africa!

 
World Maternal Mental Health day draws attention to essential health concerns for mothers and families. Life changes around pregnancy make women more vulnerable to mental illness, the most prevalent of which is postpartum depression (depression after childbirth).

 
It is estimated that one in five women suffer postpartum depression, making it the most common complication of childbirth. Considering how much stigma is associated with mental health in Africa, and the myths surrounding mental illnesses, it becomes imperative that the public and indeed mothers be sensitized and helped to see that postpartum depression is like every other illness.
 
The conference which was held in Lagos, at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry had in attendance, mental healthcare professionals, pregnant women and new mothers and researchers.
 

The Keynote address tittled “Postpartum depression; dispelling the myths and reducing the stigma” was delivered by Dr Owoeye, head training and research, Federal Neuro-Psychiatry Hospital, Yaba.
 

Dr Owoeye stressed the need to raise awareness about postpartum depression as many mothers in Africa and indeed Nigeria suffer in silence. He also asserted that the stigma attached to mental illnesses make it more difficult for mothers to seek help when they notice symptoms of depression.
 
Read more at https://www.bellanaija.com/2017/05/postpartum-support-network-africa-wor...