Matha: Awareness on Post-partum Depression

Leading up to the birth of a child, everyone prepares expectant mothers for it. One thing they don’t prepare them for is Post-partum Depression. Therefore, we took it upon ourselves to do so.

While it is a completely common phenomenon, it is rarely discussed in the common context. The stigma surrounding mental health can be seen as the main reason for this. The Rotaract Club of the Faculty of Law University of Colombo and the Rotary Club of Colombo East together with the Arka Initiative conducted a workshop for expectant mothers and the staff at the Kethumathi Maternity Hospital in Panadura.

Post-partum depression or past-natal depression is a mental health issue which arises from up to a few days to a few months of giving birth. The symptoms may include severe mood swings, excessive crying, insomnia, overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, severe anxiety, panic attacks etc. Some cases lead to suicide or harming the baby as well. While post-partum depression does not have one specific cause for it to arise, the rapid changes taking place both physically and emotionally after childbirth play a major role. It is also a curable illness, that needs medical support and psychological support in equal amounts.

The moderator for the workshop was Ms. Savindhi Subasinghe, a member of the Arka Initiative. Ms. Subasinghe covered topics ranging from caring for mothers facing post-partum depression to dealing with fathers who suffer from this as well. It was a short but extensive discussion which benefited expectant mothers as well as the staff who deal with such patients every day.

We at the Law Faculty, hope that Matha helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and we hope that this small step will go a long way.

Visit www.arkainitiative.org to find out more information about the work and objectives of the Arka Initiative.