The women’s Maternal Mental Health care team at Sidra Medicine.
Doha: Recognising the importance of maternal mental health in building a healthy society, Sidra Medicine is joining hands with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Healthcare Corporation (PHCC) to mark World Maternal Mental Health Day, which will be taking place today.
The observance is part of a joint effort internationally to raise awareness about essential health concerns for pregnant women and mothers and inform families about the maternal mental health services available in Qatar.
Approximately one in ten women experience significant depression or anxiety during pregnancy and/or the first year of their baby’s life. However, research shows that treatment is effective and can prevent negative impacts on the woman, her baby and family.
Sidra Medicine, HMC and PHCC are committed to providing support and consultation to all women with maternal mental health concerns.
“Women of childbearing age are frequently under enormous pressure — to become pregnant and deliver a healthy baby, to provide care for their babies, children, husband and extended families, frequently in addition to working and/or studying outside of the home. What we want women to understand is that these difficulties are common, and do not mean that they are weak or a failure, that they are not alone and support and care is available and effective,” said Dr Felice Watt, Division Chief of Women’s Mental Health Service in Sidra Medicine.
“Post-partum disorders, and other mental health issues that may arise around pregnancy or maternity, are quite prevalent yet often missed, even among healthcare providers. The treatment can be simple, and is proven to be highly effective. It is time to raise awareness and ensure women are adequately evaluated, promptly treated, and supported to function optimally within their family and the wider society,” said Dr Suhaila Ghuloum, Sr. Consultant Psychiatrist at HMC.
To mark World Maternal Mental Health Day today, the three entities will install information booths at their premises, providing women and their families with the opportunity to ask questions and clarify concerns.
