Post-Partum Psychosis Needs Serious National Attention – Mental Health Practitioner

By:Dominic Duut

The Chief Executive Officer of Willingway Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre (WWRRC), Mrs. Lydia Abena Manu Adofo, has called on Ghanaians and the Ministry of Health to as a matter of urgency give serious attention to Post-Partum Psychosis, describing it as a national security threat.

Post-partum psychosis is a rare and severe mental health disorder that occurs in women after childbirth.

Speaking in an interview with Oyerepa News, Mrs. Adofo explained that the disorder sometimes has genetic traces of mental illness and can also emerge when a woman feels stressed and depressed during pregnancy or after birth.

According to her, the condition is often hidden until a trigger exposes it.

Her reaction follows a recent survey conducted by Basic Needs Ghana which indicated that Ghana is at high risk of mental illness, with over 7,000 pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers reported to have mental health challenges.

Madam Lydia Abena Manu Adofo cautioned women on how they manage stress and react to issues during pregnancy.

Touching on the management of the disorder, she appealed to families to ensure that pregnant women are given the needed care, support and love.

She believes this will be a sure way of curbing mental health issues mostly contracted by women after childbirth.

credit:Okogyeabour Ocran