The Importance of Mental Health Support for Young Mothers 👶🧠

Young mothers are more likely to face mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, which can affect both their well-being and their baby's health. These issues can lead to complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Why Mental Health Matters 💭

Mental health support isn’t just about addressing problems — it’s about helping young mothers thrive. Mental health services help ensure mothers have the emotional strength to support their children’s development and well-being.

Mental Health Challenges in Belize 🇧🇿

In Belize, adolescent pregnancy rates are lower than the regional average, but mental health issues are still a concern. Adolescent girls face challenges like substance abuse, suicide attempts, and anxiety-related disorders, with a rising number of suicides among young people. Even so, they face challenges in accessing the support they need.

We would like to highlight a recent study conducted by UNICEF, Yale University, and the Belize Ministry of Health and Wellness (https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2025.3), which aimed to understand the reasons why young mothers in Belize are not seeking mental health services.

Understanding the Challenges

This qualitative study (in August 2023) used focus group discussions to capture the experiences of pregnant adolescents and young mothers from rural and urban areas across Belize’s Southern, Northern, and Western regions. By analyzing the data thematically, researchers identified four main themes affecting access to mental health services:

1. Individual Factors - Participants understood mental health issues and were open to seeking help, but lacked awareness of available services and how to access them.

Themes Affecting Mental Health Services Access in Belizean Young Mothers

2. Health System Barriers - Limited trust in providers, staff shortages, long wait times, and high transportation costs discouraged young mothers from seeking care.

3. Stigma Surrounding Teenage Pregnancy and Mental Health - Fear of judgment from healthcare providers, family, and the community discouraged young mothers from seeking support.

4. The Role of Social Support - On the positive side, family and peer support played a vital role in encouraging help-seeking behavior. When young mothers felt supported by their families or connected to peer groups, they were more likely to seek mental health services.

Moving Forward: Breaking Down Barriers

The study highlights the urgent need to address these challenges through targeted interventions. Some recommended strategies include:

Strategies to Improve Mental Health Services Access in Belizean Young Mothers

• Increasing Awareness: Strengthening education and outreach efforts to ensure young mothers are aware of available mental health services.

• Enhancing Healthcare Trust: Training healthcare providers to offer adolescent-friendly, non-judgmental care that fosters trust and confidence.

• Improving Accessibility: Expanding mental health services, reducing wait times, and providing financial or logistical support for transportation.

• Reducing Stigma: Implementing community-based programs to challenge harmful stereotypes and normalize mental health discussions.

• Strengthening Support Networks: Encouraging peer support groups and family involvement to create a more supportive environment for young mothers.

By tackling these barriers, Belize can take significant steps toward ensuring that pregnant adolescents and young mothers receive the mental health support they need. Addressing these issues is not only vital for their well-being but also for the health and development of future generations.

Join the Conversation How can we, as a community, better support young mothers in accessing mental health care? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!

Together, we can help support our Belizean mothers!

Sources:

1. Oladeji O; Lai J; Velazquez NR; Bammai MI; Kandel G; Spyridou A, et al. Barriers to and facilitators of access to mental health services among pregnant adolescents and young mothers in Belize. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2025;49:e3. https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2025.3

2. Government of Belize, UNFPA, PAHO, UNICEF . Belize adolescent health national strategic plan 2019–2030. Belize City: UNICEF Belize; 2022. Available from: https://www.unicef.org/belize/media/2486/file/Adolescent%20Health%20National%20Strategic%20Plan%202019-2030.pdf

3. Ministry of Health and Wellness . Belize national mental health policy 2023–2028. Belmopan: Ministry of Health and Wellness; 2023. Available from: https://www.health.gov.bz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NMH-Policy-Final-Signed.pdf