Raising Awareness About Maternal Mental Health This May: Understanding Postpartum Conditions
May is a significant month as it marks National Maternal Mental Health Month, along with World Maternal Mental Health Day on May 7 and Mother’s Day on May 11. This period provides an excellent opportunity to discuss and educate about perinatal mental health (PMH) issues, particularly postpartum depression and associated disorders. Postpartum Support International (PSI), a non-profit organization, is actively promoting awareness and access to support for mothers experiencing these challenges.
Statistics reveal that approximately one out of five mothers and one in seven fathers face depression or anxiety during the perinatal period. Many individuals are unaware that what they experience during this crucial time is common and treatable. While postpartum depression is often highlighted, other PMH disorders include anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and psychosis.
PSI aims to raise awareness of these mental health issues, especially during National Maternal Mental Health Month, when society celebrates mothers. The stark reality, however, is that this time of joy is not universally experienced by all. Research suggests that PMH disorders affect more than 800,000 individuals each year in the U.S., yet only about 25% seek treatment. The emotional turmoil experienced by new parents, especially mothers, often leads to a sense of isolation and shame, making it vital to initiate conversations on this topic.
Wendy Davis, the president and CEO of Postpartum Support International, shares her personal experience, stating, "After giving birth to my son in 1994, I encountered postpartum depression and anxiety. Despite being a mental health professional, I struggled to recognize my own condition, assuming I was simply a bad mother."
This testimony underlines the importance of checking in on new mothers and genuinely asking how they're feeling. If they disclose their struggles, friends and family can help by directing them to resources available at Postpartum.net. Initiatives like the Blue Dot Project, part of PSI’s efforts, encourage people to wear blue dot pins or stickers to show their understanding of the hardships associated with PMH disorders. This symbol serves to connect those in need with the appropriate resources and support.
Many new mothers face feelings of loneliness and helplessness as they navigate PMH disorders, often doubting their parenting capabilities. It is essential for partners and loved ones to remind them that help is available, and no formal diagnosis is needed to seek support. PSI offers various services, including coordinating peer support and aiding families in finding the right resources within their communities.
Individuals can contact the PSI Helpline at 1-800-944-4773 for guidance and resources, available in both English and Spanish. Additionally, the Connect by PSI app provides easy access to free support and is downloadable on both iOS and Android platforms. PSI has also established an online directory of trained perinatal mental health providers and manages a Perinatal Psychiatric Consultation line for medical providers seeking expert advice. The organization hosts over 50 free virtual support groups catering to various communities, including military families and LGBTQIA+ parents.
If you know a mother struggling with a PMH disorder, there are many supportive measures you can take:
Founded in 1987 by a new mother, PSI has made it its mission to enhance awareness about the emotional difficulties experienced during and after pregnancy. The organization seeks to provide resources and support for families to ensure a healthy start for parents and their children. PSI is fundamentally dedicated to combating stigma and ensuring compassionate, quality care is accessible to all families in need. For support, references, or to connect with other mothers, visit Postpartum.net or call 1-800-944-4773.
Statistics reveal that approximately one out of five mothers and one in seven fathers face depression or anxiety during the perinatal period. Many individuals are unaware that what they experience during this crucial time is common and treatable. While postpartum depression is often highlighted, other PMH disorders include anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and psychosis.
PSI aims to raise awareness of these mental health issues, especially during National Maternal Mental Health Month, when society celebrates mothers. The stark reality, however, is that this time of joy is not universally experienced by all. Research suggests that PMH disorders affect more than 800,000 individuals each year in the U.S., yet only about 25% seek treatment. The emotional turmoil experienced by new parents, especially mothers, often leads to a sense of isolation and shame, making it vital to initiate conversations on this topic.
Wendy Davis, the president and CEO of Postpartum Support International, shares her personal experience, stating, "After giving birth to my son in 1994, I encountered postpartum depression and anxiety. Despite being a mental health professional, I struggled to recognize my own condition, assuming I was simply a bad mother."
This testimony underlines the importance of checking in on new mothers and genuinely asking how they're feeling. If they disclose their struggles, friends and family can help by directing them to resources available at Postpartum.net. Initiatives like the Blue Dot Project, part of PSI’s efforts, encourage people to wear blue dot pins or stickers to show their understanding of the hardships associated with PMH disorders. This symbol serves to connect those in need with the appropriate resources and support.
Many new mothers face feelings of loneliness and helplessness as they navigate PMH disorders, often doubting their parenting capabilities. It is essential for partners and loved ones to remind them that help is available, and no formal diagnosis is needed to seek support. PSI offers various services, including coordinating peer support and aiding families in finding the right resources within their communities.
Individuals can contact the PSI Helpline at 1-800-944-4773 for guidance and resources, available in both English and Spanish. Additionally, the Connect by PSI app provides easy access to free support and is downloadable on both iOS and Android platforms. PSI has also established an online directory of trained perinatal mental health providers and manages a Perinatal Psychiatric Consultation line for medical providers seeking expert advice. The organization hosts over 50 free virtual support groups catering to various communities, including military families and LGBTQIA+ parents.
If you know a mother struggling with a PMH disorder, there are many supportive measures you can take:
- - Offer to help navigate to PSI’s website and helpline for the necessary support.
- - Provide positive reinforcement, reminding her that she is doing remarkably well despite her feelings.
- - Show that you recognize the bond between her and her baby, emphasizing that the child feels loved.
- - Create a safe space for her to voice her anxieties or fears without judgment.
- - Assist with everyday tasks, like laundry, cooking, or babysitting, to give her some much-needed time to herself.
- - Remind her that PMH disorders are common and temporary; it is absolutely okay to reach out for help.
Founded in 1987 by a new mother, PSI has made it its mission to enhance awareness about the emotional difficulties experienced during and after pregnancy. The organization seeks to provide resources and support for families to ensure a healthy start for parents and their children. PSI is fundamentally dedicated to combating stigma and ensuring compassionate, quality care is accessible to all families in need. For support, references, or to connect with other mothers, visit Postpartum.net or call 1-800-944-4773.
Topics Health）
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