Promoting awareness of perinatal depression in Nigeria; (360G-Wellcome-211379_Z_18_Z)

Perinatal depression is a major cause of disability in women, and often has adverse consequences for cognitive, emotional and behavioural development in the child. It is estimated that 90% of people with a mental illness in Nigeria go untreated. Dr Kike Olajide recently completed a Wellcome funded fellowship to develop a peer-delivered psychosocial intervention for perinatal depression in Nigeria. During a ‘Theory of Change’ workshop, increased community awareness about perinatal depression was identified as a necessary prerequisite for successful intervention. We therefore now intend to promote conversations and increase awareness about what scientific research has shown about the nature of perinatal depression. We will first stage a play. This will be led by Dr Olajide in Nigeria together with local workers. We will then create a documentary of the performance and use this both online and in further meetings in different areas in Nigeria to encourage families, practitioners and policymakers to reflect on what research has shown about causes, effects and treatment. The play will combine techniques from a traditional Yoruba "Alaarinjo" and the "Theatre of the Oppressed". The aim is to improve mental health literacy and aid the future recognition, management and prevention of perinatal depression in Nigeria.