IN CONVERSATION WITH DR LAVINIA LUMU
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Every year, the first Wednesday of May marks World Maternal Mental Health Day—a global initiative to raise awareness about the critical but often overlooked mental health challenges mothers face before, during, and after pregnancy. While the campaign is worldwide, South Africa faces its own urgent crisis: many women suffer in silence, without access to the support and care they desperately need.
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), up to one in three South African mothers may experience perinatal depression or anxiety—significantly higher than the global average of one in five. Yet, an alarming 75% of these women will never receive treatment.
This staggering statistic is not just a mental health issue—it’s a public health crisis. Undiagnosed and untreated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) have long-term consequences for both mother and child, impacting everything from infant development to the long-term well-being of entire families.
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), up to one in three South African mothers may experience perinatal depression or anxiety—significantly higher than the global average of one in five. Yet, an alarming 75% of these women will never receive treatment.
This staggering statistic is not just a mental health issue—it’s a public health crisis. Undiagnosed and untreated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) have long-term consequences for both mother and child, impacting everything from infant development to the long-term well-being of entire families.