Letters | On World Maternal Mental Health Day, let’s shatter the culture of silence
- Readers discuss how Asian societies can better support mothers facing mental health challenges, and foreign domestic helpers being sent across the border to work
In Asian societies, the role of a mother is often idealised as a selfless one of commitment, sacrifice and devotion. However, beneath this cultural reverence lies a stark reality: many mothers grapple silently with anxiety, depression and societal pressure to be a supermum. With the persistence of secrecy related to mental health problems and seeking help being seen as a sign of weakness, mothers often end up suffering silently in isolation.
A mother’s well-being is poorly understood compared to other common mental and physical health concerns, although it is intricately intertwined with adverse effects on children and partners, and has an impact on bonding and nurturing relationships. Unaddressed maternal mental health issues take a toll on societal systems as well.
Broader societal implications could be productivity decline, escalated healthcare usage and intergenerational transmission of mental health issues. By neglecting the realities of maternal mental health, Asian societies might be unknowingly contributing to the perpetuation of the cycle of suffering that transcends generations.
Dismantling this silence in Asian cultures requires a multipronged effort. Educational and awareness campaigns are an effective way of destigmatising mental health conversations among mothers, empowering them and reducing the fear of being judged and isolated. These open conversations can set the stage for recognising the importance of supportive, accessible and affordable environments within healthcare systems and developing culturally appropriate interventions to reduce the stress of mothering and improve the well-being of families. Integrating routine mental health screenings into prenatal and postnatal care protocols can facilitate early detection and intervention.
This World Maternal Mental Health Day is another opportunity to break the shackles of stigma that prevent mothers from reaching out for help. This will enable mothers and in turn nurture healthier, compassionate families and communities for future generations as well.