Immediate Support
You Are Not Alone
If you're a mother experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please know that many African women face similar struggles and help is available. Your life and your child's life matter deeply.
Right Now:
- Postpartum depression and anxiety are common and treatable
- These feelings don't make you a bad mother
- Traditional healing practices can complement medical treatment
- Many African cultures have strong support systems for new mothers
If You're Unsafe Right Now:
- Call emergency services or go to the nearest maternal health clinic
- Contact a family member or community health worker to stay with you
- If possible, ask someone to care for your baby temporarily
- Use the chat below to get culturally appropriate coping strategies
What Helps African Mothers:
- Ubuntu Support: Reach out to your community - you're not meant to do this alone
- Traditional Practices: Consider culturally familiar comfort measures
- Childcare Help: Ask for practical support with your baby
- Rest: Prioritize sleep when possible - exhaustion worsens depression
For New Mothers
Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 women in Africa. Symptoms may include:
- Feeling disconnected from your baby
- Excessive worry about your baby's health
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Feeling like a failure as a mother
These are medical conditions, not personal failures. Help is available.
Culturally Appropriate Coping
Grounding Techniques for African Mothers
When emotions feel overwhelming, try these culturally relevant methods:
- Community Connection: Call a sister, aunt, or elder in your community
- Traditional Songs: Sing lullabies or songs from your culture
- Herbal Comfort: Use familiar comforting scents (like lemongrass or rooibos)
- Body Awareness: Carry your baby skin-to-skin (when safe to do so)
Distraction Techniques
Activities to redirect your mind when urges feel strong:
- Social: Join other mothers at the market or water source
- Creative: Braid hair, beadwork, or other traditional crafts
- Physical: Gentle movement with your baby (traditional dances)
- Mental: Count in your native language or recite proverbs
When Urges Feel Strong:
Try the 15-Minute Rule:
- Set a timer for 15 minutes
- Use a coping strategy during this time
- When timer goes off, reassess - often the intensity will pass
- Repeat if needed
Coping Strategy Practice
Try one now:
Traditional Healing Practices
Many African cultures have beneficial practices that can complement medical treatment:
- Postpartum confinement periods for rest
- Herbal baths and massages
- Naming ceremonies and community support
- Consultation with traditional healers (alongside medical care)
Safety Planning for Mothers
Create Your Personal Safety Plan
Research shows safety plans can reduce suicide risk by 45%. Fill this out when you're feeling calm:
1. Warning Signs
What thoughts, feelings or behaviors typically come before I feel unsafe?
2. Coping Strategies
What has helped me cope in the past when I've felt this way?
3. People to Contact
Who in my community can I reach out to for support? Include phone numbers.
4. Professional Help
What professional resources can I contact? (Clinics, traditional healers, crisis lines)
5. Safe Environment
How can I make my environment safer? (Arrange childcare, go to health center)
For Mothers of Newborns
If you're having thoughts of harming your baby:
- This is a medical emergency - seek help immediately
- These thoughts don't mean you're a bad mother
- Postpartum psychosis is rare but treatable
- Temporary separation may be needed while you recover
Mood & Urge Tracking
How Are You Feeling Right Now?
Urge to Self-Harm/Suicide
Mood History
Tracking Helps
Monitoring moods and urges can help African mothers:
- Identify patterns related to menstrual cycles or child's sleep
- Show progress to traditional healers or doctors
- Recognize when to ask for more community support
- Notice connections between mood and nutrition/rest
African Maternal Mental Health Resources
Kenya Resources
24/7 Maternal Mental Health Support in Kenya
Befrienders Kenya
+254 722 178 177 (24/7 emotional support)
Nairobi Women's Hospital Mental Health Services
1199 (Toll-free, 24/7)
Mental Health Kenya
+254 735 999 103 (Mental health support)
Maternal Mental Health Services in Kenya
Mental Health Kenya
National mental health resource directory
Chiromo Hospital Group
Specialized maternal mental health services
Community Support Groups
Postpartum Support Kenya
Peer support groups for new mothers
South Africa Resources
24/7 Maternal Mental Health Support
Suicide Crisis Line
0800 567 567 (24/7)
SADAG Mental Health Line
0800 21 22 23 (8am-8pm)
Maternal Mental Health Services
South African Depression and Anxiety Group
Postpartum depression resources
Nigeria Resources
24/7 Maternal Mental Health Support
Mentally Aware Nigeria
0800 110 111 (Mental health support)
Maternal Mental Health Services
Mentally Aware Nigeria
Mental health resources including postpartum support
Pan-African Resources
Educational Resources
WHO Maternal Mental Health
Information on maternal mental health in Africa
African Maternal Mental Health
Resources specifically for African mothers