Editorial
Help new mothers get over postpartum depression
Every expectant woman anticipates happiness and excitement following childbirth, but occasionally the unexpected can occur, as some mothers exhibit weird behaviour in the first few weeks following baby delivery.
While mood swings, anxiety, and trouble sleeping can persist for up to two weeks in some new mothers, more severe and persistent forms of depression affect other mothers.
Some of these new mothers isolate themselves from their loved ones and friends, cry a lot, lose their appetite or eat more than they should, get tired easily, and have trouble falling asleep.
Additional symptoms include a decrease in interest in activities the person enjoyed before having the baby, trouble bonding with the child, being extremely agitated, and harbouring the feelingthat she is a bad mother.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a disorder that may be diagnosed with persistent thoughts of death or suicide, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty thinking properly, intense anxiety, and panic attacks, according to specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Karen Renee Zu.
It is regrettable and depressing that some mothers must deal with these postpartum problems, which exacerbate their conditions, in spite of the many difficulties they confronted during pregnancy.
The Spectator wants mothers to get help from the proper health authorities and not to take their health problems lightly.
We also agree with Dr. Zu’s recommendation that the condition should not be ignored because failing to do so will make it more difficult for the mother to properly care for her child and handle other responsibilities.
We advise new mothers to seek medical attention as soon as they notice these symptoms, which can last for a long period after giving birth, in order to prevent any major health consequences.
Mothers’ health is especially important since they have a major role in the growth of the country as well as the families, communities, and children they raise.
Medical science states that there is no one cause for PPD, but rather that a combination of genetics, physical changes, and mental problems may contribute. As such, mothers should lead healthy lifestyles, incorporate exercise into their daily routines, and set reasonable goals in order to prevent feeling under pressure.
A family history of PPD, especially if it was severe, increases the chance of acquiring it again, according to genetic study. As a result, those with such a history should take efforts to prevent recurrence.
To reduce the stress that comes with caring for a newborn, we strongly advise husbands, other caregivers, and family members to assist new mothers. In order to rebuild their strength, the new mothers should also make time for relaxation.
It is crucial for those dealing with emotional difficulties to be sociable and ask for support from trusted friends when necessary. If you feel ill after giving birth, you should also consult an obstetrician-gynaecologist immediately.
Let us help new mothers get over postpartum depression.
Dear Editor,
The recent shooting to death of Javits Frimpong, a 15 year old Ghanaian student in Bronx, USA, is a heartbreaking reminder that bullying should never be dismissed as a normal part of growing up.
Reports indicate that the teenager had allegedly been subjected to bullying at school before he was fatally shot on his way to class.
While investigations continue and the exact motive yet to be officially established, the circumstances surrounding this tragedy have raised serious concerns about the impact of not checking bullying.
What makes this loss even more painful is that Javits Frimpong, had moved from Ghana to the United States with hopes of a brighter future through education. Instead, his life was cut short at an age when he should have been pursuing his dreams and preparing for adulthood.
Bullying is often viewed as harmless teasing, but its effects can be severe and long-lasting. Victims may suffer emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, poor academic performance, and, in extreme cases, become entangled in violence.
This incident should serve as a wake-up call to schools everywhere. Complaints of bullying must be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed decisively before situations escalate.
Parents, teachers, school authorities, and community leaders all share a responsibility to create safe environments for young people.
Open communication, counselling services, anti-bullying education, and effective disciplinary measures can help protect vulnerable students.
Equally important is teaching young people respect, empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution.
As we mourn the loss of Javits Frimpong, let us also commit ourselves to ensuring that no other child loses their life because warning signs were ignored. The fight against bullying is not merely a school issue; it is a societal responsibility.
Yours faithfully,
Dansoman
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The recent report that 294 teenage girls in the Ayawaso West Municipality failed to receive their Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a depressing reminder of the gap between medical progress and public trust.
In a focused campaign with 997 girls the Roman Ridge Sub-Municipal Health Directorate reached a 70 percent coverage rate. Our public health professionals deserve praise for reaching 703 girls, but the remaining 30 percent pose a serious threat.
This shortfall is not due to a lack of institutional effort, logistics, or resources. The directorate had sufficient logistics, as highlighted by Public Health Nurse Patience Adoli Kporxah. Rather, the barrier was completely human: a lack of parental approval.
In Ghana, one of the top causes of cancer-related mortality for women is still cervical cancer. Ironically, it is also one of the most avoidable. The HPV vaccine is widely acknowledged as a safe, highly effective barrier that, when given early, can prevent up to 90 percent of cervical cancers.
Parents are unknowingly leaving their daughters vulnerable to a virus that they will probably come into contact with in the future by withholding approval.
This initiative was not initiated in secret by the health directorate. They coordinated with churches, mosques, and media outlets, spoke at Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings, and sent letters to schools as part of their broad public outreach efforts. However, around 300 parents continued to withhold their signatures in spite of these multi-dimensional approaches.
Why is this resistance still present? Fear, cultural taboos, and false information about vaccines and reproductive health on the internet are the main causes of vaccine hesitation rather than an intent to hurt a child. When a vaccination is administered to young teenagers in schools, it may cause unjustified concerns about fertility and sexuality.
Our public health initiatives need to change in order to close this gap before the November and December phases.
Letters and the mass media are important, but they are unable to provide precise, worried answers. During PTA meetings, health staff could think about holding direct question and answer sessions so parents may express their worries without fear of being judged.
In order to normalise the vaccine, community elders, religious leaders, and reputable local physicians must do more than simply impart knowledge; they must openly support it.
We must present the HPV vaccine as a standard, life-saving cancer prevention tool that is now completely incorporated into Ghana’s regular immunisation programme.
The entrance is still open, according to public health officials. Daughters who did not participate in the school-based activity can still get the vaccination at no cost by taking them to any government health institution.
We must work together to prevent cervical cancer in the future generation. The infrastructure, education, and dosages have been supplied by public health teams. The trust must now be provided by the parents of Ayawaso West and Ghana as a whole.
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