Is post-natal depression taken seriously in Africa?

Depression is not an African disease but is fast catching up with many in the continent due to modernization. I know of women in my rural village who have given birth to more than 10 children and have never revealed any signs of depression including after birth. This is because they are under no pressure over work because they have no jobs, they dont care about putting more weight to remain in shape, they have no loans and bills to pay and they dont care if the husband will push other women as they recover. What of modern women? I will grow too fat! This man may dump me! I have to report to work next month! my morgage loan...In the long run -Depression.

Yes, with some, post-natal depression is taking seriously. It actually depends on the individual. I have some of my friend in my area who are very concern with this post-natal depression. They actually help their partners with activities such as washing nappies, preparing and feeding the baby. What I observed however, these guys were longing to get children so they do this in order to show love for the new-born and to protect the mothers health. On the other hand there are some who don’t just care no matter what the position of the mother or baby is. Of course in my own case I always take care of both the baby and the mother. This actually suppose to be the case for every caring husband.

Post natal stress may be a reality as parents adjust to the new baby's needs. However, what is stress and how does it relate to post natal?
I see stress as ones conflicting interests and views over new experiences in the negative posture. When we take the new experiences as the post natal in a postive way we see them as chalenges that raise curiosity over the new ways to handle them. So, why are people not thinking outside the box?

Is post-natal depression taken seriously in Africa?.

Infact i use to see those who felt having a baby is stressful especially the so called westerners.If i will ask.DID THEIR OWN PARENTS FELT THE WAY THE FEEL NOW IF THAT IS YES,WOULD THEY HAVE BEEN INTO EXSISTANCE?.Shame to anyone whoSE thoughts to have baBies is a stress.

If my parents had not deal with such a situation,i wouldnt have been living by now therefore,it hurts when a hera people complaning about having babies,some even say they dn't wana have babies because of this their funny reasons.

We don't have time or energy to spend on depression. We are too busy trying to just survive. Depression is a disease for privileged, for those who have the time to feel sorry for themselves.

We can bring on psychotherapists and depression experts onto the radio and, of course, they will see depression everywhere. These are likely to be people who have been privileged enough to go and learn esoteric subjects like psychology and depression - they likely did not have to struggle to find their next meal. If they had to struggle to find the next meal, they would have been farmers, or artisans, not psychologists or depression experts.

Bring an artisan or common person onto the radio and ask them about depression. You are likely to get a puzzled response.

When I was growing up in a small village in North West Cameroon, it simply was the case that post natal depression was not known or talked about. Many instances when women gave birth and felt depressed was put down to a 'spell' being cast or in other words 'there was withcraft' at play. Unfortunately, to this day, it is still very similar that this is the case and we have a lot of educating to do in order to get this really important issue to the fore and begin the treatment that women those affected duely deserve.
Sonny

Here is a conflict between culture and science. Children are culturaly considered by Africans as gifts from God and when a woman shows any sign of problem before or after child's birth, some cultures view it as a sign of objection or serious issues from God against the woman, her husband or both, or issues in the family. For me, this theory lacks foundation, particularly in under age pregnacy.

It is important to understand this is an issue of individual measures.

Yes, children are a gift but many parents did not plan on having such a gift or the child was conceived in unhappy circumstances.

Not all women are the same - there are women who have little support, women who have lots, women who are ill following the birth and trying to care for older children.

Not all babies are the same - some are settled and happy, some are angry, some cry a lot and so on.

There are many theories about post natal depression but, ultimately, we need to stop pointing the finger at people and start working together so children are affected as little as possible.

Oh, and it's not just a 'woman' thing!

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2810%2960853-7/fulltext?version=printerFriendly

https://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/besttreatments/2010/may/19/new-dads-not-immune-to-postnatal-depression

Having a baby is a wonderful but hard time. Not every woman is prepared well for the baby's arrival, and not every woman is a natural mother. The fears and stresses involved in the pregnancy I believe affect the mother's well-being, and contribute to her feeling low and traumatised about her job being a mum. It is depression...and if it is deep and not picked upon, then the depression is like a black hole swallowing up the woman, and in turn making times at home for the rest of the family anxious or dangerous in some cases. This problem is affecting women all over the globe. I don't think it is talked about enough, and I think there is a lot more that should be done to make it easier for women to seek help with PND...Men should not dismiss their wife's feelings or misery...Hormones are all over the shop and can affect your ability and judgements very seriously if you are not able to talk about your concerns to your nearest and dearest without feeling shame. Being an open and honest new mum is nothing to be ashamed about...it is brave when women stand up and say "I am not following the textbook here in how I am managing with my child"