Single mumS face depreSSion riSk
FAMILIES with only one parent are vulnerable to financial stress, which could have an effect on their mental health. With the growing number of families headed by single mums, it is concerning that cases of depression are also rising.
The Department of Statistics 2010 Report said Malaysia has 235,240 single mothers, or 1.7 per cent of the population.
Divorce, separation and widowhood are the most frequent factors that result in single parenthood.
One of the most economically and socially marginalised groups is single mums.
Factors that predispose them to depression are the effects of being single mothers, such as hardships in life, poverty, a lack of support and social marginalisation.
Single mothers experience depression due to a lack of social support and worries about their own and their kids’ safety.
However, the main issue for them is financial hardship.
Similarly, the risk that single mothers will have mental health issues increases with their level of economic struggle.
Lack of social support among single mothers will lead to less successful parenting techniques.
Another issue facing single mothers is access to healthcare facilities.
Living in the countryside presents challenges to single mums, including poor transportation and subpar care in public and private institutions.
Another issue is security in the home. Since there are fewer patrols in suburban buildings, it is more difficult to spot suspicious behaviour that disrupts the peace.
For single mothers, the education of their children is another problem as well.
Single parents may be forced to work longer hours, which leaves them with less time to help their children with their schooling.
If youngsters work to help pay bills, they may have less time to devote to schoolwork.
Extracurricular activities and community service are highly valued in schools, especially in higher education.
However, because of the expenditure involved, a child with a single parent may be unable to participate.
The government, support groups, non-governmental organisations and single mother associations can help married couples having trouble, especially those who are poor.
In addition, training to acquire skills, social support and networking, as well as empowering single mothers through cooking and sewing, can help them financially.
Research fellow
Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies
Universiti Malaya