Social, Medical, and Psychological Support for Urban Women in Lagos to Alleviate Post-Natal Depression: A Critical Analysis and Academic Rewrite

Abstract

Marriage and being a mother are significant life events for women in Africa because the transition to motherhood, characterized by pregnancy and childbirth, can be both exhilarating and challenging. The period of motherhood often involves emotional turmoil for mothers, especially those in urban cities like Lagos. This study explores the social, medical, and psychological assistance available to women in Lagos to alleviate Postnatal Depression (PND). The research used a descriptive qualitative approach with samples of 100 respondents, employing a semi-structured questionnaire through Google Forms sent online and distributed via different social media platforms. Questionnaires were analyzed using statistical tools of data analysis. The study focuses on mothers who are within the reproductive age of 15 years. Also, a literature review of existing research on PND and its treatment was the secondary source of data collection. This study documents the urban women's postnatal experiences in Lagos, meant to serve as a case study for future researchers in Nigeria and the rest of the world as part of the contribution to knowledge in PND treatment and support, ultimately aiming to improve the health and well-being of urban women and their families, especially in Nigeria. This study calls for concern as the awareness and synergy between health workers and urban women is lacking; based on the stigma received by urban women on postnatal depression, the depressed reproductive women population grows, and people will continue to lose their lives in silence for what have both medical and psychological solutions. The study implies that a synergy between the medical, social, and psychological fields that engage urban women during pregnancy, the rate of postnatal depression will be minimal after childbirth. Therefore, the health sector, the general public, and the government should help in creating awareness about help available for urban women in postnatal care to reduce or eradicate the level of postnatal depression in society.