Mother’s Day, celebrated on May 11, not only offers a special opportunity for children and families to express their love and appreciation for mothers but also serves as a reminder to focus on maternal well-being. This year, it coincides with Maternal Mental Health Month, a vital time to shed light on mental health challenges faced by new and expecting mothers.
The significance of maternal mental health cannot be overstated. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), which include depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, postpartum psychosis, and substance use disorders, are the most common complications during pregnancy and postpartum. Remarkably, one in five birthing persons experiences mental health issues during this period, with these conditions being a leading cause of maternal death, accounting for 22% of pregnancy-related fatalities, including suicides.
Mental health issues are not limited to birthing persons alone. Non-birthing parents, such as fathers and adoptive parents, are also at risk — with about 1 in 10 fathers experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety. The health of the infant and other children may be impacted, leading to risks like preterm birth and delays in emotional or cognitive development.
Several factors can elevate the risk of maternal mental health conditions, including personal or family history of mental illness, racial or cultural background, financial stress, military service, teen pregnancy, birth in neonatal intensive care units (NICU), lack of social support, and past trauma.
Addressing these issues requires awareness and accessible treatment options. However, barriers such as stigma, distrust in healthcare, fears of child protective services involvement, and cultural beliefs often prevent women from seeking help.
Resources such as Postpartum Support International (PSI) provide vital support, including online support groups, trained mental health providers, peer mentorship, and crisis helplines. They emphasize that ‘you are not alone and you are not to blame. With help, you will be well.’
If you or someone you know is experiencing maternal mental health issues, seeking professional help and support from loved ones is crucial. Emergency resources include local ER visits and helplines such as the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA), the Crisis Text Line, and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
This Mother’s Day, let’s recognize not only the love and sacrifices of mothers but also the importance of supporting maternal mental health for healthier families and futures.
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