Effects of Perinatal Depression on The Maternal Experience

The present study was conducted in Istanbul with the objective of evaluating the effects of perinatal depression on maternal experience. It presents an original study conducted on behalf of Clements University under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Kürşat Şahin Yıldırımeri and Prof. Dr. Derya Berrak with the participation of 473 mothers. The study population comprised mothers between the ages of 18 and 45, selected from diverse neighbourhoods across Istanbul, considering socioeconomic, cultural and demographic diversity. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and psychological assessment scales. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was utilised to assess participants for symptoms of depression during the perinatal period. In addition, a range of scales were utilised to assess variables such as maternal attachment, parenting stress and perception of social support. The study's findings indicated that mothers grappling with perinatal depression encounter significant challenges in their maternal experiences. Specifically, it was observed that mothers with elevated symptoms of depression exhibited an impaired perception of maternal identity, augmented levels of parenting stress, and diminished mother-child bonding. The study also observed that depression was more prevalent among groups with low socioeconomic status. Furthermore, the study determined that an absence of social support significantly exacerbates the severity of depression. The study revealed that 68% of the participants indicated a lack of sufficient social support during the perinatal period. Furthermore, 54% of the depressed mothers reported feelings of emotional inadequacy in their parenting capacities. The study emphasised the critical role of early intervention and psychosocial support programs in mitigating the effects of depression. The study thus reveals perinatal depression to be a significant public health problem, impacting not only the maternal psychological well-being but also the emotional and cognitive development of offspring and the broader family dynamic.The study's findings underscore the necessity for early diagnosis of perinatal depression, effective management of risk factors, and the development of comprehensive support programs for affected mothers.