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Teenage mothers can now access care for depression
Teenage mothers face significant levels of stress that can lead to increased mental health concerns. Despite this, teenage mothers rarely seek assistance for mental health issues due to factors such as the stigma attached to mental health in Guyana and the cost to access help.
But the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) along with the Regional Health Department of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region Four, aim to change all this.
They have embarked on an aggressive campaign which seeks to combat increased mental health issues in teen mothers.
Dr. Quincy Jones, Regional Health Officer, Region Four said the year 2018 is the year that he and his department with the support of the RDC intend to aggressively address a number of health related challenges. Jones said that mental health among teenage mothers is a top priority; noting that statistics have shown that many young mothers are affected by depression.
Health Education Officer at the Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Public Health, Ms. Tashia James
“A number of teenage mothers were not prepared for their pregnancy and because of the many challenges that come with pregnancy especially to an unprepared mother or more so teenager, it can and may affect them mentally; thus we at the Health Department will continue to find ways and means in addressing this,” Jones said.
He pointed out that the Adolescent Days Clubs in many of the Health Centres is a ‘perfect avenue’ to having mental health issues addressed. As such, he has taken a step with the Mental Health Unit in forging ahead with the plan to assist young mothers.
“There is always the common saying that there is no health without mental health and we firmly support this view, thus we have moved ahead in ensuring that our teenage mothers can have someone to talk to, to address their concerns, to share whatever is affecting them so we are ready and prepared to help; and together with Mental Health Unit we will be able to address these issues,” Jones explained.
Tashia James, Health Education Officer from the Mental Health Unit, who was herself a teenage mother, told a number of teenage mothers at a forum that she can relate to their challenges.
“I was pulled down as a teenage mother and was asked ‘why you sexing at that age’ I was terrified, so I didn’t want to go to clinic any longer. Many times when I visited the clinic the nurses and others would ask me why you “sexing” at that age and this really affected me.”
She reassured the young mothers that her unit, along with the RDC is ready to ensure that they can access the services they need.
“Being pregnant our body takes on several changes and if you are ready it wouldn’t affect you, but if you are not it certainly would affect you mentally. As such, it’s important to know that teenage mothers often go into depression because most times they are not ready for the pregnancy,” James said.
James encouraged them to access the services being offered, stressing that mental health is everybody’s business and there are always persons from the unit who are available to talk whenever they need someone to talk to.
“I don’t know if any of you are prepared, but I can admit that I wasn’t prepared as a teenage mother. I know the feeling of being terrified at a young age because of being pregnant, so we at mental health urge you to visit your clinic as there are persons who are equipped to speak to you,” James told the mothers.
She also said that many mothers may not be able to sleep and would usually dismiss it as being normal. However, she warned that this can be an early sign of mental issues.
“We are here to provide the help that you need [because] when you are pregnant you need support from all including your family,” James said.
“We can help to give you the support before and after the pregnancy,” James assured.
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