Maternal mental health remains an often-overlooked yet critical issue in Nigeria. Through the lens of theatre, M/Other explores the emotional and psychological challenges many mothers face during and after pregnancy. This innovative theatrical performance, supported by CNN As Equals, Danish playwright Katy Streek, and QDance, seeks to raise awareness and advocate for better mental health support in maternal healthcare.

Addressing the Hidden Struggle: Postpartum Depression and Psychosis

Dr. Ike Anya’s 2012 reflection in Granta highlights the emotional toll of postpartum depression. His account portrays a new mother who, after childbirth, withdrew emotionally and socially—crying often, ceasing household chores, and losing joy in her daily routines. Such experiences are common yet remain under-addressed within Nigeria’s healthcare systems.

The M/Other performance brought these struggles to the forefront by spotlighting postpartum depression and psychosis. These conditions affect 19-25% of Nigerian women post-childbirth, yet mental health care remains insufficient. Studies show that mental health concerns are often overshadowed by physical complications during childbirth, leaving mothers to suffer in silence.

Bridging Culture, Arts, and Public Health

Theatre has proven to be an impactful platform for health advocacy. Campaigns like 2023’s Celebrating Womanhood Gala demonstrated how arts can shed light on critical public health issues. M/Other takes this approach further by combining cultural dialogue and storytelling to create awareness about maternal mental health, encouraging both education and systemic change.

During its premiere at Afropolis 2024 in Lagos, the play engaged audiences in post-show discussions with prominent health experts, emphasizing the urgency of integrating mental health services into Nigeria’s maternal healthcare system.

Key Insights from the Discussion

During the M/Other post-show discussion, health leaders, including Professor Afolabi Bosede, Dr. Tomi Coker, and Vivianne Ihekweazu, highlighted systemic barriers to mental health care:

1. Invisible Mental Health Struggles: Prof. Bosede noted that mental health issues remain largely “invisible” and unaddressed compared to physical complications. This lack of attention leads to long-term consequences for both mothers and their children.
2. Barriers in Rural Regions: States like Kebbi and Bauchi struggle with low skilled birth attendant rates (10%-28%), making mental health care even harder to access. Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) often lack the knowledge to identify mental health conditions, further exacerbating the issue.
3. Cultural Stigma: Many women fear judgment from their communities, as societal norms often stigmatize mental health struggles. Some women are pressured to “deliver like Hebrew women,” equating medical intervention with weakness, which prevents them from seeking care.

Solutions: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Health experts emphasized that addressing maternal mental health requires systemic change.

1. Policy Implementation: Dr. Tomi Coker and Vivianne Ihekweazu highlighted that Nigeria’s revised Mental Health Act 2021 provides a framework but lacks specific guidelines to tackle maternal mental health.
2. Training for TBAs and Health Workers: Equipping traditional birth attendants and primary health providers with mental health training could significantly improve early detection and treatment of postpartum mental health issues.
3. Community-Based Campaigns: Education campaigns can challenge cultural norms and destigmatize mental health discussions. By integrating community leaders and religious figures into these efforts, women will feel supported rather than judged.
4. Family Involvement: Including families in mental health education can create safe and empathetic environments for mothers to seek help without shame.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

M/Other’s performance demonstrates how creative arts can intersect with public health advocacy. The dialogue initiated by its premiere offers hope for systemic change, urging stakeholders—government, health officials, and the media—to prioritize mental health in maternal health strategies.

As Nigeria continues its fight against maternal mortality and mental health neglect, integrating education, community leadership, and policy reforms could pave the way for a future where no mother suffers alone.