From Moms Rising (https://www.momsrising.org/):
“Without diagnosis and treatment of my postpartum depression I don’t know what would have happened – I was losing the ability to take care of my daughter and was struggling with suicidal thoughts.” –Kristin
We hear from so many moms like Kristin. In fact, right now up to 1 in 5 women suffer from maternal mental health disorders like depression or anxiety in the U.S. and research shows that this number has more than doubled during the pandemic. [1] When maternal mental health disorders are not diagnosed and not treated, these conditions can lead to more serious health issues for the birthing person, their infant, and family. [2] Besides worsening health problems there is also a national economic cost of $14.2 billion when these disorders are left untreated. [3] Horrifically, maternal mental health disorder is the leading cause of preventable maternal deaths. [4]
As the call for more mental health services intensifies in the United States, in light of recent acts of mass violence, it’s important that we urge our leaders to remember that maternal mental health care is part of that urgent need.
Urge Congress to ensure that all moms have access to the mental health resources they need at https://action.momsrising.org/sign/MMHfunding22.
Maternal mental health disorders like postpartum depression are so common, yet 1 in 5 women report NOT being screened for maternal depression despite universal screening being recommended. [5][6] Historical inequities, implicit bias, lack of cultural competency and lack of access to providers means that women of color face even higher barriers to seeking treatment. [7]
There is legislation pending before Congress that would effectively address the maternal mental health crisis and we must urge our leaders to support it!
The Into the Light for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Act would provide state funding for maternal mental health programs and for a dedicated national hotline providing 24/7 voice and text support in English and Spanish. The TRIUMPH for New Moms Act would help improve coordination around maternal mental health efforts including the establishment of a national task force to streamline existing programs. And finally, the Moms Matter Act would invest in prevention, intervention, and treatment as well as help grow and diversify the maternal mental health workforce.
The United States is the most dangerous place to give birth among industrialized nations. [8] Black and Indigenous women suffer the most due to widespread inequities and racism throughout the healthcare system. [9] That is why we must also work to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus, a comprehensive package of bills that includes significant investments in community-based programs to diversify the maternal health workforce, provide funding for tech to address racism and biases in screening and treatment, and expand mental health treatments and supports.
Together we can, and must, do better for moms, babies, families and our communities.
P.S. Did you recently give birth? Please share your postpartum experience with us?
References:
[1] California’s Strategic Plan: A catalyst for shifting statewide systems to improve care across California and beyond[2] The Maternal Mental Health Crisis Undermines Moms’ and Babies’ Health
[3] Societal Costs of Untreated Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in the United States
[4] Maternal suicide still a leading cause of death in first postnatal year
[5] Perinatal depression: a systematic review of prevalence and incidence. Gavin NI, Gaynes BN, Lohr KN, Meltzer-Brody S, Gartlehner G, Swinson T. Obstet Gynecol, Advancing Racial Equity in Maternal Mental Health Policy, CLASP
[6] Vital Signs: Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Provider Discussions About Perinatal Depression — United States, 2018, CDC
[7] Advancing Racial Equity in Maternal Mental Health Policy, CLASP
[8] Visualizing the stark maternal health inequities in the United States
[9] U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis Hits Black Women Hardest
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