Being a mom is hard. From the moment a baby is born, everything changes. New moms often feel tired, worried, and overwhelmed. But sometimes, the feelings go beyond just being tired. Some moms experience serious mental health problems—and we need to talk about it.

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. Maternal mental health means how a mother feels in her mind and heart during pregnancy and after giving birth. Many moms go through things like depression, anxiety, or even scary thoughts. This is more common than people think. In fact, 1 in 5 moms has a mental health challenge after giving birth (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). Mental health disorders—including substance overdose and suicide—are now the number one cause of maternal death in the United States (CDC, 2023).

There are some things that can make it more likely for a mom to struggle with her mental health. These are called risk factors. Some examples are:

• A history of depression or anxiety
• A difficult pregnancy or birth
• Not having support from family or friends
• Money problems or job stress
• Feeling alone or not having time to rest
• Race (as a social construct—1 in 3 Black women may experience a mood disorder during or after pregnancy)

 

Even though many moms need help, it can be hard for them to get it. There are barriers to care, or things that get in the way. Some moms are afraid to speak up because they worry people will think they are bad parents. Others may not know where to go for help. Some moms don’t have health insurance or live far from a doctor. These problems can make it hard to get better. In addition, not all OB Care providers have had sufficient training on the diagnosis and treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) management of mental health medications during pregnancy and/or lactation.

 

The good news is: help is out there. Mental health problems after having a baby are treatable. There are treatment options that really work. Talking to a therapist can help moms feel heard and understood. Sometimes, medicine can help too. Support groups, where moms talk to each other, are also helpful. Getting rest, eating healthy, and having help with the baby can make a big difference.

 

It’s very important that moms—and the people around them—know the signs of a mental health problem. Some signs to look for include:

• Feeling very sad, angry, or empty for days
• Not wanting to eat or sleep
• Feeling like you can’t bond with your baby
• Having scary thoughts or feeling like you might hurt yourself or others

 

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you love, speak up. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength to ask for help. Every mom deserves to feel well and cared for.

 

Let’s be honest: moms are superheroes. But even superheroes need support. We need to make sure that every mom knows she’s not alone. We must make it easier to talk about mental health. We must listen without judgment. And we must make sure help is easy to find.

 

Healthy moms mean healthy families. When we take care of mothers, we take care of our whole community.

 

If you’re a mom who’s struggling, please know this: You are not alone. You are not to blame. And you can get better. Speak up, reach out, and know that there are people who care and want to help. Please see resources for families and their OB care teams,

 

1. GA PEACE for Moms

A free psychiatric consultation service for Georgia clinicians caring for pregnant and postpartum patients. Offers provider-to-provider support on screening, diagnosis, and treatment of perinatal mental health conditions.

Website: https://med.emory.edu/departments/psychiatry/programs/peachford/peace4moms.html

2. Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Offers education, training, and resources for professionals working with families during the perinatal period. Also provides a provider directory, helpline, and certification programs.

Website: https://www.postpartum.net

3. Shades of Blue Project

Focuses on maternal mental health support for Black and Brown birthing people. Offers culturally competent resources, education, and support groups. Provides training opportunities for providers looking to improve care for underserved populations.

Website: https://www.shadesofblueproject.org

 

 

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Mental Health Conditions: What Are They? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/maternal-mental-health/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Maternal Mortality. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/maternal-mortality/