May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month
Did you know that maternal mental health disorders are the MOST common complication of pregnancy and childbirth?
Maternal mental health disorders can occur during the perinatal period from pregnancy through the first year after giving birth. These disorders include postpartum anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, bi-polar disorder and in rare occasions psychosis.
According to the Blue Dot Project:
1 in 5 women suffer from a maternal mental health disorder & most have difficulty finding help.
Less than 15% of women diagnosed with a maternal mental health disorder receive treatment.
There are more new cases of mothers suffering from maternal depression each year than women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Women in their childbearing years account for the largest group with depression in the U.S.
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month
During the month of May, women, families, providers and organizations come together to help raise awareness for maternal mental health disorders. The goal is to help provide useful information and support and to continue to reduce the stigma of maternal mental health disorders. Throughout the month, Passages will be participating in community and virtual events to support maternal mental health.
Maternal Mental Health Week
Maternal Mental Health Week starts Monday, May 4th through Sunday, May 10th and is sponsored and led by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance member, the Perinatal Mental Health Partnership UK. This year’s theme is, “A Decade of Voices",” highlighting the power of women knowing it is ok to express their needs, feelings, experiences, and to advocate for themselves.
5/4 A Decade of Voices: Celebrating 10 Years of Progress
5/5 Voices of Experience: Spotlighting parents’ lived experiences across the decade
5/6 World Maternal Mental Health Day- Join the global community to raise awareness and break the stigma
5/7 Voices of Care: Highlighting the vital collaboration betwwen families and professionals
5/8 Voices of Change: Focusing on advocacy, policy, and Lived Experience change makers
5/9 Voices of Loss & Healing: Providing sensitive, supportive messaging for those navigating perinatal trauma, miscarriage, stillbirth and baby loss
5/10 Voices of the Future: Looking ahead to the next generation of support, innovation, and progress
Maternal Mental Health Events
Sunday, May 3rd- International Bereaved Mother’s Day
Wednesday, May 6th- World Maternal Mental Health Day
What can you do to help?
Help increase awareness of PMADS by starting the conversation with at least one pregnant or postpartum mom. ASK, how are you feeling and really listen!
Share information on social media, host a community event or training, promote maternal mental health screenings, and more.
Donate or volunteer your time to an organization that supports maternal mental health or assist in fundraising efforts.
Show your support on May 6th for World Maternal Mental Health Day to help raise awareness and help break the stigma.
Join Project 62 and The Postpartum Resource Center of New York to help strengthen Perinatal Mental Wellness Parent Support Networks and Safety Nets in all sixty-two New York State counties.
Share the resources listed below with family and friends who may be struggling with a maternal mental health disorder.
Resources for Information & Support
Perinatal Mental Health Partnership
“You are not alone and you are not to blame. Help is available. You will get better.”
-Postpartum Support International’s Universal Message
The Maternal Mental Health Program at Passages provides women and families a supportive space to address their specific needs from pregnancy through postpartum. Our clinicians offer education, support, counseling and wellness services to facilitate your family building journey. We work with women and families to identify their unique individual needs to create a comprehensive plan for optimal health and wellness.