Postpartum depression is affecting thousands of women in Fiji – ASK4HELP Founder

Postpartum depression is not something that you see everywhere, which is why we want to throw light on this very important issue that is affecting thousands of women in Fiji.

ASK4HELP founder Asinate Savu Korocowiri highlighted this at the launch of their NGO in Suva adding in her 16 years of counseling experience, she has come across women and teenage girls who have been affected by postpartum depression, and she wants to bring it to the fore because it is something that is not talked about.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioural changes that happen in some women after giving birth.

Korocowiri told fijivillage News that it is so important to address this because so many women are left on the side as most do not know what to do in response to postpartum depression.

She further says depression is a real issue, and they want to help women and girls facing this condition.

Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Sashi Kiran says globally, 1 in 10 women experience postpartum depression and this can last from 3 to 6 months after birth.

Kiran says she also spoke to Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr James Fong who she says admitted that postpartum depression is mostly under reported in Fiji.

According to Dr Fong, it could affect 10 to 15% of post births annually.

The Assistant Minister says we average around 20,000 deliveries annually, so if you calculate the percentage of that, 2,000 women may have symptoms and at least 500 to 1,000 women that need care.

The ASK4HELP founder says they are not only committed to improving people’s lives through counseling but also offer financial literacy training and humanitarian relief.

You can contact Asinate Korocowiri of ASK4HELP on 9419704.