2024’s Maternal Mental Health Week

This week is Maternal (OR Perinatal) Mental Health Week.

Perinatal (i.e., can occur during pregnancy and/or postpartum) Mood + Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the #1 pregnancy and postpartum complication.

Number. One. 

PMADs can occur any time during pregnancy or in the first 1-3 years of postpartum, usually peaking around 3-4 months (aka around the time when the birth parent may be going back to work). 

Research has indicated that 1 in 5 birth parents experience one or more PMADs.

The actual number is most likely much higher, as it is common for mental health conditions to be underreported, due to stigma and shame.

I am 1 in 5.

38% of birth parents of color experience PMADs, which is almost 2X the rate of white birth parents. 

And, 60% of people of color with PMADs do not, or are not able to, access treatment.

PMADs can also happen to partners, as well as those who have experienced pregnancy loss, abortion, + adoption.

While postpartum depression has been the umbrella term for postpartum mental health -  and as many as 10-15% of birth parents experience it - many don’t identify with the depressive symptoms…

PMADs encompass a variety of other diagnoses, including:

• Perinatal Bipolar

• Perinatal Anxiety

• Perinatal Panic Disorder

• Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Perinatal Psychosis

If any of this information resonates with you, please know…

You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.

Call or text Postpartum Support International HelpLine at 800-944-4773. You never need a diagnosis to ask for help.

Download the Connect by PSI App

Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262

In a crisis situation, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988

Visit Postpartum Support International’s website for additional programs and resources, including FREE online support groups!