Neden annelerin psikolojik sağlığı tehlikeye giriyor? | Anne

Maternal roles, although revered as sacred for centuries, often render the challenges women face in embracing them invisible. Recent studies have highlighted a significant decline in mothers’ mental health, which is related not only to individual or biological factors but also to systematic and societal conditions. Without regular support, shared caregiving responsibilities, and access to mental health services, mothers are becoming increasingly isolated and exhausted.

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2025 revealed that the percentage of mothers in the U.S. reporting “excellent” mental health dropped from 38.4% in 2016 to 25.8% in 2023. In contrast, the rate of those reporting “fair or poor” mental health increased from 5.5% to 8.5% during the same period.

This trend, while observed across all socioeconomic groups, showed the most substantial decline among low-income, uneducated, single, or uninsured mothers.

The authors of the study note that these findings are consistent with documented increases in depression and anxiety rates among pregnant and reproductive-age women and the general adult population in the U.S.: “Our findings support the assertion by some researchers that maternal mortality poses a significant threat to women’s health overall.”

The authors call for further research to uncover the specific causes of declining mental health. However, prevailing theories suggest that limited access to mental health services, social isolation, rising substance abuse disorders, and widespread stressors ranging from inflation to racism, as well as armed violence and the climate crisis, are major contributing factors to this situation.

A comprehensive review and meta-analysis conducted in Turkey reveal how pervasive and deep the issue of postpartum depression is in the country. According to a study compiling 34 investigations carried out between 2017 and 2023, the proportion of mothers at risk for postpartum depression in Turkey stands at 17.8%. Before the pandemic, this figure was 16.3%, rising to 20.2% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the difference is not statistically significant, the increase is notable.

Another striking point highlighted in the research is that depression is related not only to individual or biological factors but to numerous societal and structural influences. Risk factors for depression include low income, lack of social support, history of violence, issues with partners, unwanted pregnancies, and difficulties with breastfeeding, as well as the loneliness experienced during the pandemic. Women are often left alone without sufficient support during a time when they feel estranged both physically and emotionally.

The researchers emphasize the need for services aimed at safeguarding women’s mental health, particularly during the postpartum period, and for the development of early identification, support, and care mechanisms for at-risk groups. The “well-being” of mothers in Turkey continues to be an under-discussed issue that directly impacts societal health.

A field study conducted in Manisa found postpartum depressive symptoms in one out of every four mothers. These symptoms were most closely associated with low education levels, living in extended families, a history of depression, and lack of partner support. Notably, mothers reporting “no partner support” showed nearly three times the risk for depression. In another study, 24% of mothers indicated feeling lonely in baby care, while almost 14% reported feeling entirely alone. This sense of isolation directly impacts the mother’s sense of security and increases the risk of depression.

Another critical finding is that living in a large family does not always provide protective effects. In some cases, residing in crowded households can create more conflict and pressure than support. Factors such as early marriage, unwanted pregnancies, and a history of physical violence are among significant contributors to mothers’ mental fragility.

The COVID-19 pandemic represented not just a health risk for mothers but also a period marked by intense loneliness and stress. Some studies conducted during the pandemic in Turkey indicated postpartum depression rates rising as high as 56%. During this timeframe, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep issues, and feelings of guilt among mothers were reportedly on the rise. Especially working mothers faced burnout while trying to juggle remote work alongside child care.

A review of all research conducted in Turkey reveals that the factors undermining mothers’ mental health stem not from the experience of motherhood itself, but from systematic isolation, lack of support, and socioeconomic pressures. The absence of accessible, free mental health support, inadequate postpartum follow-ups, and the neglect of the burdens faced by mothers exacerbate this situation.

Experts assert that early diagnosis, adequate social support, and shared caregiving responsibilities play a vital role in preserving mothers’ mental health. Mental health is not a luxury; it is a fundamental need as vital as maternal and infant health. Merely referring to the sacredness of motherhood is insufficient; real support mechanisms must exist to honor this sacredness.

Sources: Sara Moniuszko. “Moms in the U.S. report large decline in mental health in recent years, study finds”. Retrieved from: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/moms-decline-mental-health-study/. (27.05.2025).

“Pandemide doğum sonrası depresyon oranı arttı”. Retrieved from: https://gelisim.edu.tr/tr/gelisim-haber-pandemide-dogum-sonrasi-depresyon-orani-artti. (09.11.2021).

Semiha Baykal, Ayşe Karakoç. “Doğum Sonrası Dönemde Depresyona Yatkınlığın Güvenlik His Düzeyi ile İlişkisi”. Retrieved from: https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/johesam/issue/68740/981026. (30.09.2021).