Postpartum Depression Among South Asian Women

We are only beginning to hear about the prevalence of postpartum depression in the larger community, so it comes as no surprise to me that we hear about it even less within the South Asian community.  Recent research suggests that Indian women, particularly new immigrants, may be at a higher risk of postpartum depression than their non-Indian counterparts.  Experts suggest isolation stemming from the immigrant experience and a lack of the traditional support system often found in the home countries, as reasons for increased prevalence among Indian women.

In the United States, about one in 10 women suffers from postpartum depression (PPD).  South Asian women may be at a higher risk for PPD, due to the impact of acculturation and cultural customs including factors such as arranged marriage and the gender of the child.

A groundbreaking 2007 study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded that 28 percent of Indian American women suffered mild symptoms of postpartum depression and 24 percent suffered major symptoms. The paper-titled “Immigrant Asian Indian Women and Postpartum Depression” is the only study of Indian American women and postpartum depression. [link]

Dr. Nirmaljit Dhami, medical director of the new Maternal Outreach Mood Services program at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, Calif., says that post-birth, many women present symptoms of tearfulness and crying. Sadness, emptiness, feeling overwhelmed, having a short temper, appetite changes and withdrawal from family and friends are all symptoms common to postpartum depression. [link]

The article correctly states that women have more resources available to them in India including family members who are willing to help out.  However, I’m sure many women living in India are also affected by postpartum depression – it is just less likely to be diagnosed and treated.  Similarly, immigrant women living in the Unites States also have a difficult time seeking help,

Indian American women are also unlikely to seek treatment for depression, said Dr. Kaveri Patel, a family practitioner in Fremont, Calif., who sees a number of South Asian women in her practice. “Women raised within South Asian families are not typically taught or encouraged to discuss emotional distress for cultural reasons,” Patel says. “The stigma of having a mental illness is huge in the South Asian community and it keeps women away from getting the care they need.” [link]

There are many cultural factors that impact the immigrant woman’s vulnerability of being affected by postpartum depression.

In several studies conducted in India and Europe, giving birth to a female infant was directly related to postpartum depression. There is great pressure on women to produce a male heir, especially for women who already have one girl child, the studies concluded… “The struggles of fitting into a new society and the isolation many women feel increases stress, which can result in mood disorders,” says Narasimhan. She has found that key factors in successful acculturation include community support, places of worship and the company of other women. Genetics can also play a role. “If your mother and grandmother suffered from postpartum depression, it’s likely you will as well,” Narasimhan says. Other physical factors for postpartum depression include hypo-thyroidism and anemia, both prevalent among South Asian women. [link]

Finally, I think it’s important to add that mental health issues affect the South Asian community extensively.  However, we are still struggling to have dialogues around these issues and ultimately this just leads to a lack of understanding and knowledge and a lower chance of individuals reaching out for help. 

More on TLH related to mental health issues.