In a study published in the journal Population Studies, researchers surveyed 488,620 Finnish mothers of young children to determine whether grandparental support protects mothers from depression.
The researchers collected demographic information such as whether the mother had a partner or lived separately, as well as details such as the age, health, distance, and employment status of the maternal and paternal grandparents.
“If your parents are under 70, employed, and don’t have serious health problems, “Mothers are less likely to purchase antidepressants.”
What were the results of the study?
This study highlighted a particularly strong association between the availability of grandparental support and reduced antidepressant use among mothers who were separated from their partners.
“Grandparents are an important source of support for families with children, and it is well known that support from others protects individuals from depression. Association between maternal depression and adverse child outcomes. is well established, so support is not only important for the well-being of mothers, but also for the increasing number of children living with separated mothers,” Metsa Simola told CNN Health.
Mothers who were older, unwell, or had parents or step-parents who were far away were most likely to use antidepressants. Researchers suggest that in these cases, grandparents may not have been able to provide support to parents, and that caring for the elderly may increase parental stress.
Metsä Simola told CNN that Finland, where the study was conducted, has sufficient access to health care and childcare. Therefore, the support that older generations provide to families includes having someone to confide in and receiving assistance in leaving the home in an emergency when no one is available to care for the children, including these necessities. It may include more than just that.
What else affects a mother’s mental health?
Globally, approximately 10% of pregnant women and 13% of newly postpartum women suffer from mental illness, primarily depression. In developing countries, this percentage is even higher, reaching 15.6% of her during pregnancy and 19.8% of her after childbirth.
In severe cases, mothers may experience so much distress that they consider suicide. Additionally, according to the World Health Organization, these affected mothers may struggle to fulfill their role effectively, which can affect their child’s growth and development.
Knowing this statistic is high, multiple studies and groups have conducted research into what influences a mother’s mental health.
- Difficult childhoods (study published by the National Institute of Mental Health).
- Emergencies and Conflict Situations (WHO).
- Emotions of motherhood such as anxiety, guilt, isolation, and changing identity (Raleigh Obstetrics and Gynecology).
- Exposure to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (WHO).
- Natural disasters (WHO).
- Social problems such as poverty, overpopulation, overcrowding, and poor sanitation (study published by the National Institute of Mental Health).
How does a mother’s mental health affect herself and her children?
After giving birth, mothers battling depression may struggle to meet basic needs like eating, bathing, and self-care, increasing their risk of health complications. In severe cases, depression can lead to suicide and infanticide, according to the WHO.
Infants, especially newborns, are highly influenced by their environment and the level of care they receive, making them susceptible to maternal mental disorders. According to the WHO, long-term or severe mental illness can disrupt the mother-infant bond and interfere with breastfeeding and overall infant care.
What to do if you or someone you love is experiencing depression
According to the Mayo Clinic, knowing the symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses, asking for help, showing support, and taking care of yourself can help.
learn the symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. However, it may include:
- Feeling sad, tearful, empty, or hopeless.
- You easily become angry, irritated, or irritated over even the smallest of problems.
- Loss of interest or enjoyment in normal activities such as hobbies or sports.
- Sleep patterns change, sleeping too much or too little.
- You feel tired and lack energy, and even simple tasks can leave you exhausted.
- You will experience a change in appetite, leading to weight loss or gain.
- You are facing unexplained physical problems such as headaches or back pain.
- Coping with anxiety, restlessness, and nervousness.
- Thinking, speaking, and body movements slow down.
- We struggle with feelings of worthlessness and guilt, fixating on past failures or unfairly blaming ourselves.
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things.
- Expressing not wanting to live, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, or thoughts of suicide.
asking for help
People experiencing depression may not be aware or aware of their condition. They may perceive their feelings as normal due to a lack of awareness about the symptoms of depression.
Many people are ashamed of their depression and mistakenly think that they should be able to overcome it through sheer willpower. However, depression usually requires treatment and can get worse if untreated. Fortunately, improvement is possible with proper treatment.
You can perform the following steps:
- Tell the person what you observed and why you are concerned.
- Explain that depression is a health condition, not a personal flaw, and that it usually improves with treatment.
- We encourage you to seek help from a professional, such as a medical provider or mental health provider.
- We will help you develop a list of questions to discuss during your initial meeting.
- Show your support by helping arrange appointments, accompanying them, or attending family therapy sessions.
If your depression is severe or life-threatening, contact your medical provider, mental health provider, or emergency medical services.
Show support
Keep in mind that depression is no one’s fault. You can’t cure someone’s depression, but your support and understanding can make a difference.
Here’s how you can help. However, be aware that not everything will work for everyone.
- Encourage them to stick to their treatment plan. Remind them to take their medications and attend appointments.
- Be willing to listen without judgment. Let them express their feelings and avoid giving advice or opinions.
- Provide positive reinforcement. Remind them of their strengths and how important they are to you and others.
- Provides practical assistance. Offer to help with specific tasks or chores around the house.
- It helps reduce their stress. Establishing a regular routine gives you a sense of control. Offer to help plan daily activities.
- Connect them with support organizations. Many organizations offer counseling and support services for depression.
- Encourage them to engage in their faith if it makes sense to them. For some, faith plays an important role in recovery.
- Encourage self-care practices such as eating well, getting enough sleep, and being physically active.
- Plan together activities that they will enjoy, but respect their boundaries and don’t impose anything on them.
please take care of yourself
To prevent burnout:
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to other family members and friends and let them know how they can support you.
- Prioritize your own health. Make time for fun activities, stay physically active, connect with friends, and recharge.
- Cultivate patience. Treatment for depression takes time to take effect. You may need to try different medications and treatments. Some people see improvement right away, while for others it is a gradual process.
