Teen mothers and depression: lack of support from partners and violence are big drivers in Malawi and Burkina Faso

Up to one in four African girls have their first child before the age of 18. Becoming a mother at such a young age can lead to mental health problems like depression. Research suggests that pregnant and parenting teenagers have poorer mental health than adult mothers.

Several factors make teenage mothers vulnerable to mental illness. For example, in conservative societies pregnant, unmarried adolescent girls are shamed and excluded. Parenting is stressful. Early and unintended pregnancy can add to the pressure. Moreover the loss of childhood can overwhelm and distress adolescent girls.