05/02/2023
Did you know, maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression, are more common than breast cancer or gestational diabetes?
The most common maternal mental health disorders are anxiety followed by depression. These disorders can be mild or so severe they become debilitating.
A study conducted during the pandemic shows that rates of clinically significant anxiety and depression symptoms have more than doubled - rising to 72% and 41%, respectively - among pregnant and postpartum women.
All women are at risk though disparities are stark. Women of color and low-income mothers are faced with overwhelming stressors and, not surprisingly, are several times more likely to experience maternal anxiety or depression., AND are less likely to receive treatment.
Maternal Mental Health Disorders onset during pregnancy, prior to pregnancy or in the postpartum period. When a mother isn’t properly supported and treated, symptoms can persist for years, impacting her own health and well-being and potentially her baby’s.
This week, you can get involved by sharing these daily campaign posts. And, if you are a mom, you can also share photos of your motherhood moments this week so we can illustrate that motherhood is never black and white, it’s often grey, hard, and messy.
Learn more about MMH disorders including the prevalence of these disorders: https://www.thebluedotproject.org/whataremmhdisorders
Need Help?
🔵 In an emergency or crisis situation, call or text 988.
🔵 In a non-emergency situation, call or text the International HelpLine at 800-944-4773. You never need a diagnosis to ask for help.
🔵 Call or text the National Hotline at 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746)
You are not alone, you are not to blame, and with help, you will be well.
