Introduction

Depression and anxiety are primary causes of mental health deterioration, disability, heart
diseases, and suicide all around the world (1). However, there is a lack of diagnostic and research
evidence in Pakistan related to mental health diseases. Therefore, in the Pakistani population, exact
data about the prevalence of psychological disorders usually remains unclear (2). But since the COVID-19
pandemic, the whole world including developing countries such as Pakistan is concerning more about
mental health issues. More researchers are collecting evidence on the prevalence of mental health
disorders especially depression and anxiety among people due to social distancing. Particularly parental
anxiety is a focus of many researchers during COVID-19. According to recent research, during
pandemics, there are more possibilities of filicide-suicide among economically distressed mothers (3).
Not only financially unstable families but also working mothers are suffering. Research done in Pakistan
revealed that working and teaching mothers are having issues in balancing work and life. They also face
issues in managing space for work. These responsibilities are affecting their mental health and they are
feeling more depressed and anxious (4).

On the anxiety and depression scales, single mothers usually scored higher as compared to
comparison groups (5). This research was done before pandemics, which means the probability of
anxiety and depression among single mothers is heightened during social distancing. Particularly
Pakistani mothers have more depression prevalence due to lack of social support and socioeconomic
pressures (6). As the COVID-19 has worsened the socioeconomic situation of developing countries it is
expected that the prevalence of depression among Pakistani mothers is more than before. Recent
research also described that during COVID-19 maternal depression in Pakistan increased due to poverty,
partner violence, lack of social support, family conflict, and economic disasters (7). Not only married but
divorced mothers are also in a similar situation. According to previous researches, divorced mothers
experience more anxiety, depression, loneliness, and anger issues as compared to married mothers (8).
Moreover, the younger and jobless mothers are reportedly more anxious and depressed than the
comparison group(9). In the COVID-19 impact survey, it results that mothers have higher clinical
depression (35.21-38.04) and anxiety score (11·90-12·13) during the pandemic that is much higher than
previously collected data (10). Latin America had the highest mortality rate in April 2020, researched
that 20.3% of mothers in that region have severe to moderate levels of anxiety. And 22.5 of them are
suffering from severe anxiety (11). The main reason of increased anxiety and depression in highly
developed countries is social distancing and lack of outdoor activities. According to stats, almost 93% of
women are currently taking social distancing measures among which 83% are in proper self-isolation.
63% of women reported that they have reduced physical activities that is a depressing factor for them
(12). Based on previous and recent researches we have assumed some hypotheses and have testify
them through conducting research, data collection and analysis.