STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Pregnant and postpartum women in the country face serious mental health challenges, according to a recent study by icddr,b’s Advancing Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (AdSEARCH) programme.

The study found that 77 percent of women visiting health facilities during pregnancy or after childbirth were diagnosed with depression or anxiety, with 66 per cent experiencing both conditions simultaneously.

Conducted between 2022 and 2025 across seven district and sub-district hospitals, the research observed 7,500 women.

Common symptoms included mood swings, fatigue, sleep disturbances, agitation, lack of concentration, and suicidal thoughts. Anxiety symptoms such as nervousness, restlessness, and fearfulness were also widespread.

The findings of the study, titled “Enhancing Access to Mental Health Service Through Telemedicine Health Service at Wellbeing Centre in Bangladesh”, were presented at an event at icddr,b headquarters in Mohakhali yesterday.

At the programme, experts said mental health issues during pregnancy and postpartum not only affect mothers’ well-being but also raise the risk of serious physical complications and even suicide.

Bangladesh faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals, with only 260 psychiatrists and 565 psychologists

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