Post-natal depression has increased during the ongoing pandemic, says study

“The social and physical isolation measures that are critically needed to reduce the spread of the virus are taking a toll on the physical and mental health of many of us. We know that experiencing depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period can have detrimental effects on the mental and physical health of both mother and baby that can persist for years,” Dr Margie Davenport, co-author of the study said.

“We know that parents who have a diagnosis are particularly vulnerable during this time as their ‘normal coping mechanisms’ day to day are not able to take place. Disturbance of routine, anxiety around the political and economical state have also contributed to parents with or without a diagnosis of perinatal mental illness that can create heightened anxiety and stress which can also magnify depression and low mood,” Annie Belasco, head of charity at the PANDAS Foundation, the organisation that assists people struggling with postnatal depression.