World Maternal Mental Health Day Highlights the Urgent Need for Perinatal Support

Today marks World Maternal Mental Health Day — a global effort to raise awareness about the mental health challenges many people face before, during, and after pregnancy.

Experts say the perinatal period, which begins at pregnancy and extends up to a year after giving birth, is a vulnerable time for mood disorders. In the U.S. alone, about 800,000 people experience mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or postpartum psychosis during this time.

“And only 25% of those people get treated for it,” said Andrea Clark, Deputy CEO of Postpartum Support International.

Clark emphasizes that inadequate screening is a major factor in why many perinatal mental health issues go unaddressed. She stresses the importance of checking in at multiple stages — from prenatal visits to postpartum care.

“There is sort of a stigma and even a reluctance sometimes to name things that might be going on emotionally or mentally because of fear,” Clark said, noting that some people worry they will be seen as unfit parents.

Warning signs can vary but often include trouble getting out of bed, changes in appetite, persistent sadness, lack of bonding with the baby, and even thoughts of harm toward oneself or the baby. Clark says these are serious indicators that care should be sought immediately.

“There’s help. There’s hope. And you are not to blame — you are not alone,” she added.

Postpartum Support International reminds the public that perinatal mental health conditions can affect not just the birthing person, but also partners and other family members. These illnesses are treatable, and individuals do not need a formal diagnosis to reach out for help.

Credit: CNN Newsource
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