New Delhi, December 17, 2018: The House of Commons hosted HOPE 2018, a ground-breaking, awareness raising event on ‘Mental Well being in women during Pregnancy and beyond’ at the Attlee Suite, UK Parliament, Westminster on Monday, the 10th December 2018. It was organised by Consultant Obstretician Dr Raja Gangopadhyay from the UK. It aimed to raise awareness in society and remove stigma.
Worldwide, at least 1 in 10 mothers suffer from mental health conditions during pregnancy (WHO), making this one of the commonest health conditions during pregnancy. Mental health conditions are still one of the leading causes of death of the mothers in the UK and globally. According to the last Confidential Enquiry into Maternal death (MBRRACE report), almost a quarter of mothers died due to psychiatric causes. 1 in 7 mothers died of suicide. Many such sad deaths and suffering are preventable if appropriate measures are taken during pregnancy and after childbirth. However, many mothers (and families) do not get the support they need during this vital period of life. Many mothers sadly suffer in silence due to stigma, shame, and fear of the baby being removed by the social services. Stress/ poorly controlled mental health conditions during pregnancy can also adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. This can lead to low birth weight, premature labour, preeclampsia and mental health problems in the unborn child.
Globally lauded Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, composer/musician, artist, author, speaker and humanitarian Dr Ramya Mohan , who is currently based between Bengaluru, India and the United Kingdom was an invited speaker on the occasion . Dr Mohan spoke on ‘ Creativity and Creation : A mental health strategy using the creative arts for women and families in pregnancy and beyond’.
At this booked-out mental health event, Dr Mohan highlighted the particular mental health issues faced by expectant and new mothers and their families . She threw light on the science /role of creativity and the use of the creative arts (Music, Art ) in supporting emotional well-being and mental health. She discussed her internationally acclaimed therapeutic technique CAPE (Creative Arts for Processing Emotions) and its usefulness in pregnancy and in families with new babies . Dr Mohan’s motivating talk threw light on the innovative concept of integrating Neuroscience and the Creative Arts through CAPE, a self-guided technique pioneered by Dr. Mohan and acclaimed on a global platform. CAPE has supported resilience, emotional health and self-esteem in many women, children and families over the past three years.
