A new icddr,b study has found that 77 percent of pregnant and postpartum women in Bangladesh suffer from depression or anxiety, with two-thirds experiencing both.
Conducted between 2022 and 2025 across seven hospitals and involving 7,500 women, the research highlighted symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, sleep disturbances, suicidal thoughts, and widespread anxiety. Experts warned these issues can cause serious health complications and increase suicide risk.
Bangladesh faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals, with only 260 psychiatrists and 565 psychologists, mostly in cities. Tele-counselling at Wellbeing Centres showed promise, though follow-up was limited.
Researchers also flagged cyberbullying’s impact on adolescent girls, with victims facing quadruple rates of severe depression. Experts urged expanding tele-mental health services and prioritizing implementation of the Mental Health Act.