Tackling Maternal Psychosocial Distress Among Marginalized Women in Guatemala: A Community-Based Approach

In Guatemala, an estimated 28% of the population can anticipate a mental disorder in their lifetime, with women of childbearing age, showing the highest rates of depression and anxiety, especially those living in indigenous areas and poor urban settings.  The problems are due in large part to economic hardship and family troubles.  Community health workers will be trained to identify troubled women and support groups will be created to help women to meet specific needs including food and shelter, integrating mental health into existing, though limited, health programs in marginalized communities.