World Maternal Mental Health Day highlights public health crisis

World Maternal Mental Health Day spotlights ‘silent’ public health crisis

World Maternal Mental Health Day is a global initiative to raise awareness about the mental health struggles many women face during pregnancy and after childbirth. “It’s really a public health crisis, but a kind of a silent one.”These words come from Wendy Davis, a representative of Postpartum Support International. Davis, who works with the non-profit organization, emphasized that maternal mental health issues can often be surprising and embarrassing for those experiencing them. “They really think wrongly that they’re failing. They think they just aren’t cut out for being a mom and they’re afraid to tell anybody.”Symptoms of postpartum depression can include crying more often, feeling angry, withdrawing from loved ones, feeling distant from your baby, overly worrying, feeling anxious, thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, and doubting your ability to care for your baby. “You’re not alone. And if you’re feeling confused or upset, anxious, tearful, flat that’s a reason to reach out for help.”Davis also suggested ways for loved ones to support those who may be struggling. These include asking questions, letting them know they’re seen, helping with daily tasks, and reaching out for help.”Don’t wait for an emergency. We can prevent a crisis, we can prevent people getting worse, we can prevent people from feeling alone because the resources exist and it’s, it’s taking that one step.”Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone struggling with mental health issues. Individuals can call or text 9-8-8 for immediate assistance. In addition to several non-profit organizations that can direct people to free resources for help, there’s also a free and confidential National Maternal Mental Health Hotline available 24/7 for pregnant and new moms. The hotline number is 1-833-TLC-MAMA.

World Maternal Mental Health Day is a global initiative to raise awareness about the mental health struggles many women face during pregnancy and after childbirth.

“It’s really a public health crisis, but a kind of a silent one.”

These words come from Wendy Davis, a representative of Postpartum Support International.

Davis, who works with the non-profit organization, emphasized that maternal mental health issues can often be surprising and embarrassing for those experiencing them.

“They really think wrongly that they’re failing. They think they just aren’t cut out for being a mom and they’re afraid to tell anybody.”

Symptoms of postpartum depression can include crying more often, feeling angry, withdrawing from loved ones, feeling distant from your baby, overly worrying, feeling anxious, thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, and doubting your ability to care for your baby.

“You’re not alone. And if you’re feeling confused or upset, anxious, tearful, flat that’s a reason to reach out for help.”

Davis also suggested ways for loved ones to support those who may be struggling. These include asking questions, letting them know they’re seen, helping with daily tasks, and reaching out for help.

“Don’t wait for an emergency. We can prevent a crisis, we can prevent people getting worse, we can prevent people from feeling alone because the resources exist and it’s, it’s taking that one step.”

Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone struggling with mental health issues. Individuals can call or text 9-8-8 for immediate assistance.

In addition to several non-profit organizations that can direct people to free resources for help, there’s also a free and confidential National Maternal Mental Health Hotline available 24/7 for pregnant and new moms. The hotline number is 1-833-TLC-MAMA.

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