Pressurising newly-weds to conceive affects mental health

GURUGRAM

Newly-married women are still subject to fulfilling unwarranted expectations such as having children, say experts at Apollo Cradle, adding such familial and societal pressure on women can affect their mental health.

In past one year, Apollo Cradle—an initiative of the Apollo Hospitals Group, has seen significant increase in such cases where women have shown signs of lack of mental well-being, most of which are caused by the worry of bearing a child and to balance work and life after having a child.

"Having a child is a matter of joy and begins a completely new journey of exploring one's unknown side. However, women, including newly-weds are reporting mental health issues such as stress depression, anxiety, etc. owing to the pressure from family and society to have children," said Sadhna Sharma, senior consultant, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Apollo Cradle Hospital & Miracles Mediclinic in Gurugram.

"To make a woman responsible to have a child is an unacceptable situation since it is a personal decision and should be taken by the partners, and not by the society," she added.

According to doctors, many women chose to remain quiet about their problems due to the social stigma attached to psychological counselling.

Mental health causes nearly 14 per cent of diseases globally and women are more likely than men to be affected by mental disorders, the most common being anxiety and depressive disorders, according to the doctors.

"Do not feel pressured or judged due to not having kids, and handle the situation as you please—you may want to be vocal or may give a politically-correct answer to the queries," Sharma said.

Experts suggest that the best way to cope with the pressure is to know yourself and to have a solid understanding of why you have made a choice.

Mental well-being ensures effective functioning for an individual and a community. 

Women are more likely than men to be affected by mental disorders, the most common being anxiety and depressive disorders. — IANS