Did you know that May is Maternal Mental Health Month? It’s a whole month dedicated to raising awareness about the mental well-being of mothers and birthing parents. Why is this so important? Because your mental health matters, not just for you, but for your entire family. 

Maternal mental health encompasses the emotional and mental well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, or the first year after giving birth. While the “baby blues” are common, maternal mental health conditions are more intense, longer-lasting and require support and treatment. 

Ignoring these conditions can have serious consequences, not only for the mother’s quality of life but also for the baby’s development and the overall family dynamic. That’s why it’s essential to have open conversations, understand the signs and know that help is available. 

7 statistics every mother should know about maternal mental health

It’s one thing to talk about maternal mental health, but seeing the numbers can highlight the scope and importance of this issue. Here are some key statistics every mom should be aware of:

1. Maternal mental health disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting one in five women in the United States each year. 
2. An estimated 75% of women experiencing maternal mental health conditions don’t receive the treatment they need. 
3. Maternal suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the first year after giving birth.
4. Women of color are more likely to experience maternal mental health conditions, but less likely to receive care. 
5. One study released in 2020 found that not treating maternal mental health conditions costs the United States $14 billion over the 5 years after women give birth.
6. Postpartum depression affects approximately 20% of new moms globally, and it can happen at any time within the first year after childbirth. 
7. Postpartum depression diagnostic rates rose to 19% in 2021, up from 9.4% in 2010.

These statistics aren’t meant to scare; they’re here to help raise awareness and spark action. When more moms get help, more families thrive. 

The landscape of maternal mental health conditions

While it’s always an important focus, May being Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the mental health challenges new and expecting mothers may face. The following are maternal mental health conditions a mother may experience:

• Postpartum depression (PPD) — PPD is more than just feeling down after giving birth, like the “baby blues.” It can emerge anytime within the first year postpartum and typically involves:
• Persistent sadness
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Fatigue
• Appetite and sleep changes
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Postpartum anxiety — Postpartum anxiety can happen alone or alongside PPD. It involves:
• Excessive worry
• Restlessness
• Racing thoughts
• Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath

Such symptoms are typically related to your baby’s well-being. 

• Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) — This involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions), often focused on the baby’s safety, and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety.
• Panic disorder — This involves sudden episodes of intense fear that peak quickly, accompanied by physical symptoms like chest pain, dizziness and a feeling of losing control. 
• Postpartum psychosis — This is a rare, but serious condition requiring immediate medical attention, involving symptoms such as:
• Hallucinations
• Delusions 
• Rapid mood swings
• Disorganized thinking

Maternal mental health challenges aren’t limited to the postpartum period. Many women experience depression and anxiety for the first time or see a worsening of existing conditions during pregnancy. 

What contributes to maternal mental health challenges

There’s no single reason why some women experience maternal mental health conditions while others don’t. It’s usually a combination of factors, including:

• Hormonal shifts
• Sleep deprivation
• Physical recovery from childbirth
• Emotional adjustments
• Lack of social support
• Unrealistic expectations of motherhood
• Past or family mental health history
• Stressful life events
• Complications or trauma during pregnancy or childbirth

Understanding the warning signs and complications

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes, but if negative feelings linger or intensify, it may be a sign of a more serious issue. Warning signs to look for include:

• Feeling sad, hopeless or empty most of the time
• Having trouble bonding with your baby
• Experiencing extreme fatigue or insomnia
• Experiencing irritability or anger
• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• Having intrusive thoughts or constantly worrying
• Feeling like you’re a “bad mom”
• Having thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby (seek help immediately)

Untreated maternal mental health conditions can have significant complications for both the mother and the child, including:

• Impaired mother-infant bonding
• Developmental delays in infants
• Relationship strain
• Increased risk of maternal suicide
• Long-term mental health issues

Finding your path to wellness

The good news is that maternal mental health conditions are treatable. There are a variety of effective interventions available, and the best approach often involves a combination of approaches, including:

• Psychotherapy — Talking to a mental health professional can provide a safe space to process emotions, develop coping skills and address underlying issues. Lightfully’s Precision Care Model uses a framework of evidence-based techniques that are used to create a tailored treatment plan for whole-person-centered care provided by deeply compassionate experts. 
• Medication — Antidepressants and antianxiety medications, prescribed and monitored by a health care professional, can be effective in managing symptoms. It’s essential to discuss the risks and benefits of medication, especially if breastfeeding. 
• Support groups — Connecting with other mothers who are also experiencing similar challenges can help provide valuable emotional support and a sense of community.
• Lifestyle adjustments — Prioritizing getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, doing gentle exercises and practicing relaxation or mindfulness techniques can make a big difference. 

If you’re a mom who is struggling, or you know someone who might be, don’t wait. Start by reaching out to a trusted doctor, midwife, therapist or even a friend. You don’t have to figure this challenging time out on your own. Educate yourself and others. Check in on the new moms in your life. Listen without judgment. Encourage them to get help if they need it. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to start getting help with your maternal mental health challenges, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.