Next Week Is An Important One!
Next 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.
Postpartum Support International, as well as The Blue Dot Project, are wanting to focus on raising awareness this week around perinatal mental health.
The theme this year is Storytelling Saves Lives. By sharing our stories, we can help others know they are not alone and there is hope and help.
If you are interested in participating, The Blue Dot Project is doing the following:
Monday, May 5, Share your story (Tell your own personal PMH story)
Tuesday, May 6 - Raise your hand if you are 1 in 5
Wednesday, May 7 - March for Mothers (Take a walk, long or short, in honor of Moms)/World Maternal Mental Health Day
Thursday, May 8 - Wear Blue (Wear the color that represents the blue dot)
Friday, May 9 - Celebrate YOU (Show us how you are caring for YOU today)
Saturday, May 10 - Share advice (Share for others your best perinatal advice)
Sunday, May 11 - Invite Friends (Tag five friends to share their own stories)
Hashtags to use if you participate include:
#MMHWeek2025
#StorytellingSavesLives
#MaternalMentalHealth
#WeAre1In5
If any of this information resonates with you or for someone you love, 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.net for additional programs and resources, including FREE online support groups!
