Editorial
Help new mothers get over postpartum depression
Every expectant woman anticipates happiness and excitement following childbirth, but occasionally the unexpected can occur, as some mothers exhibit weird behaviour in the first few weeks following baby delivery.
While mood swings, anxiety, and trouble sleeping can persist for up to two weeks in some new mothers, more severe and persistent forms of depression affect other mothers.
Some of these new mothers isolate themselves from their loved ones and friends, cry a lot, lose their appetite or eat more than they should, get tired easily, and have trouble falling asleep.
Additional symptoms include a decrease in interest in activities the person enjoyed before having the baby, trouble bonding with the child, being extremely agitated, and harbouring the feelingthat she is a bad mother.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a disorder that may be diagnosed with persistent thoughts of death or suicide, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty thinking properly, intense anxiety, and panic attacks, according to specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Karen Renee Zu.
It is regrettable and depressing that some mothers must deal with these postpartum problems, which exacerbate their conditions, in spite of the many difficulties they confronted during pregnancy.
The Spectator wants mothers to get help from the proper health authorities and not to take their health problems lightly.
We also agree with Dr. Zu’s recommendation that the condition should not be ignored because failing to do so will make it more difficult for the mother to properly care for her child and handle other responsibilities.
We advise new mothers to seek medical attention as soon as they notice these symptoms, which can last for a long period after giving birth, in order to prevent any major health consequences.
Mothers’ health is especially important since they have a major role in the growth of the country as well as the families, communities, and children they raise.
Medical science states that there is no one cause for PPD, but rather that a combination of genetics, physical changes, and mental problems may contribute. As such, mothers should lead healthy lifestyles, incorporate exercise into their daily routines, and set reasonable goals in order to prevent feeling under pressure.
A family history of PPD, especially if it was severe, increases the chance of acquiring it again, according to genetic study. As a result, those with such a history should take efforts to prevent recurrence.
To reduce the stress that comes with caring for a newborn, we strongly advise husbands, other caregivers, and family members to assist new mothers. In order to rebuild their strength, the new mothers should also make time for relaxation.
It is crucial for those dealing with emotional difficulties to be sociable and ask for support from trusted friends when necessary. If you feel ill after giving birth, you should also consult an obstetrician-gynaecologist immediately.
Let us help new mothers get over postpartum depression.
Editorial
Demolition of structures at flower pot interchange a good move
Dear Editor,
I will like to commend the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Titus Glover for the bold step to destroy structures, including wooden tables and chairs set up by hawkers at the flower pot interchange which was recently commissioned by President Akufo-Addo.
Most of the hawkers and sellers expressed their displeasure about the action of the minister, while some have argued that the government has failed to get them a place to sell as promised.
Though they may have a point of not having a place to sell, I don’t think such an excuse should be the reason for them to be selling at the place.
We all remember the joy the commissioning of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange Overpass by former President John Dramani Mahama brought. The project looked so beautiful, especially in the night, when the lights illuminated the entire place.
Today, the story is different. The place look so dirty with hawkers, physically challenged people and drug addicts turning every space into their humble abode.
Some even go to the extent of taking their bath there. Anytime I pass by the place to the Circle lorry station, the stench from urine that emanates makes me feel sad.
With this, I think it is about time city managers, including the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, take drastic steps in ensuring that hawkers and sellers at unauthorised places are evacuated.
What I have also come to realise is that officials of the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, feel relaxed to take the necessary action in evacuating these hawkers from the unauthorised places.
We need to start going hard at some of these hawkers and vendors who sell at unauthorised places. We need to keep the capital city clean at all times.
It is in this vein that I congratulate the regional minister for taking the bold initiative of demolishing the structures at the flower pot interchange.
While I commend him, I will also urge the government to try as much as possible to find a place for them to sell their wares.
As citizens, we also need to change our attitude to ensure that the city is kept clean and neat.
Ella Akimbi,
Spintex
Editorial
End hawking on Kaneshie Foot Bridge
Dear Editor,
Hawking on the Kaneshie foot bridge has made it increasingly difficult for commuters that use the facility on daily basis.
Foot bridges are constructed to ensure the safety of pedestrians, accessibility to places, among others.
However, using the Kaneshie foot bridge has become so frustrating due to the activities of traders who sell on it. Most of them sell on either side of the bridge, leaving only a narrow space for users.
Worse of all, these traders rather get annoyed when some users of the foot bridge mistakenly step on any of the items on display and rain insults on them.
On one such occasion, I had to get into an argument with one of the traders when she insulted me for mistakenly stepping on one of the items she was selling.
Ghanaians, adore and admire countries in Europe and even North Africa for how well some of these things are structured. A few people who have stayed in those countries would tell you that these don’t happen in advanced countries.
However, the situation in Ghana is rather the opposite, and that can baffle sometimes.
I believe we need a total change of attitude. Citizens must be forced to do what is right.
The law enforcement agencies at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies should also make sure that these traders who have taken over the Kaneshie foot bridge are moved to allow some sanity on the facility.
Osei Banahene,
Mataheko
