Supporting Mothers For Maternal Mental Health Month

May is often known for being the month of Mother’s Day, but it’s also Maternal Mental Health Month. Though Maternal Health Awareness Day is observed on January 23, Maternal Mental Health Month in May generally offers a time to support pregnant women and mothers as they navigate perinatal mental health. More women than ever may be experiencing mental health challenges following childbirth, including postpartum depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and more. Maternal Mental Health Month can provide an opportunity to raise awareness around maternal mental health, support moms living with mental illness, and provide resources and education for all. If you’re a mother or parent experiencing mental health challenges, online therapy may be an available way to receive the professional support you deserve.

History of Maternal Mental Health Month

The first Maternal Mental Health Month was celebrated in May 2014, but support for moms has likely been needed for centuries. The first recorded postpartum mental illness case may date back to around 460 B.C., when Hippocrates observed a woman experiencing psychosis after birth, in what we now call the perinatal period. Since that time, countless cases of postpartum mental illness have been documented and represented in media, with “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman being a prominent example. 

Though perinatal or postpartum mental health conditions can be common and widely recognized, support for mothers is often lacking. Having and raising a child can be life-changing and rewarding, but for many, it can also lead to feeling overwhelmed, as parenthood comes with immense emotional, physical, and mental difficulties. Below, we’ll explore the mental health concerns that commonly affect mothers, how to support mothers in your life, and treatment options for mothers and new parents experiencing mental illness.

Maternal mental health conditions

Maternal mental health issues tend to be common, which makes their importance all the greater when it comes to perinatal mental health care. The changes in hormones, the stress of pregnancy and birth, and pre-existing mental health conditions can all contribute to maternal mental illness. Examples of common maternal mental health conditions can include the following:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Bipolar disorder

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Substance use disorders

Research shows that women who have depression or anxiety at any point during their pregnancies are usually 40% more likely to have high blood pressure. In addition, women with untreated bipolar disorder tend to be more likely to experience gestational hypertension and hemorrhaging.  

It can be important to note that certain communities may be at a higher risk for perinatal and postpartum mental health conditions, which can factor into maternal mortality rates. Black mothers generally have a higher risk of experiencing postpartum depression and may be less likely to receive the care they deserve. In addition, women of lower socioeconomic status can be 11 times more likely to develop postpartum depression compared to women of higher socioeconomic status. It’s important to have any parenthood policy center on helping as many people as possible.

Baby blues versus perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

Many moms experience a time of weepiness, depression, and anxiety shortly after having a baby, and this phase is frequently referred to as the “baby blues.” This period typically involves restlessness or nervousness, increased fatigue, crying spells, and generally not feeling like oneself. 

Baby blues can be very common and are thought to affect 50% to 80% of new moms. However, baby blues typically resolve within one month of giving birth, which generally makes them different from other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that tend to last for longer periods of time.

A new mom may be experiencing a perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) if their baby blues symptoms (plus other distressing symptoms, such as irritability and sleep issues) persist for longer than a few weeks. Examples of common PMADs can include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The symptoms of each condition can vary, but most include fatigue, anxiety, sleep trouble, appetite changes, and emotion dysregulation, among other symptoms. 

Mothers living with mental health disorders often experience significant difficulties. On top of this, children of mothers with mental illnesses can be negatively impacted. Research indicates that babies of parents with anxiety or depression may experience more colic, sleeping and feeding issues, and developmental issues. A new baby of a mother with untreated postpartum depression may be more likely to experience negative impacts on their weight, head circumference, cognitive and motor development, and sleep patterns. 

If you notice a mother in your life struggling to complete daily tasks or function as normal, or if you notice she is not acting like herself, it can be best to reach out immediately to see if professional mental health assistance is warranted.

How to support mothers in your life

Structural and policy changes, such as culturally centered, equitable, accessible care for all perinatal mothers, may be essential to improving maternal mental health. This might include expanding postpartum medicaid coverage and programs. While these changes may be the most effective in supporting mothers, there are other ways you can support the mothers in your life, especially during Maternal Mental Health Month. 

Educate yourself and others

Often, mothers experience pressure to “hold it together” and hide the mental health difficulties they may be facing. Society may place pressure on mothers to hide any negative experiences associated with motherhood. Because of this, many do not realize how common maternal mental health conditions can be. Spreading knowledge and awareness, as well as knowing the signs of mental health conditions that often affect mothers, may be ways to fight the stigma and support those experiencing perinatal mental health conditions.

Help where you can

If you have a new mother in your life, consider having a conversation with her about how she’s doing and how you can help her. If she has other children, you can offer to help her with school drop-offs or childcare. If her mental health condition is preventing her from being able to complete daily tasks around the house, you can volunteer your time and energy in that area. Additionally, many people struggling with their mental health just want a compassionate person with whom to talk. Be sure to make the mother in your life aware that you are always there for her.

Encourage self-care

Self-care can be an essential part of staying balanced as a mother. Though self-care can look different for everyone, it may be as simple as a 15-minute walk, a relaxing bath, or going shopping while the baby is with a caregiver. Promoting time for the mother to relax, attending events without the baby, and enjoying herself can prevent her from becoming overwhelmed and stressed out.

Offer resources

The National Maternal Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA) is a free, 24/7 support hotline for pregnant and new moms. 

Other organizations and resources that may be helpful for those experiencing maternal mental health conditions include MHA’s Finding Therapy site and SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator.

Benefits of online therapy

One resource for maternal mental health conditions may be therapy. Working with a therapist can be helpful for mothers struggling with mental illnesses. Online therapy may be a particularly fitting option for new moms, as it can easily fit into a busy schedule. Additionally, moms who need support usually don’t have to wait weeks to get an appointment or spend extra time on a long commute to the therapist’s office when they choose to seek support online. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the efficacy of online therapy interventions for postpartum depression. Both postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms were typically lowered after mothers participated in the telehealth intervention, showing that online therapy may be an effective treatment for maternal mental health conditions.