Let’s be blunt: moms are not okay.
You may see the new mothers around you and think they all look like they’re thriving, but the statistics tell a different story. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the number one complication of childbirth. At least 1 in 5 mothers will experience a PMAD. Even more startling, up to 80 percent of those who are struggling remain undiagnosed and untreated.
Why? A combination of stigma that surrounds moms needing support, lack of awareness of what is or isn’t normal to experience during the perinatal period, and a lack of resources and support that moms can actually access. The lack of conversation around maternal mental health has disastrous consequences for mom, baby, family, and society. So what can we do?
1. Talk about it.
We need to start talking about it and dispelling the myths that surround maternal mental health. Opening up real conversation around what we’re experiencing can shift the narrative and bust the myth that moms must be filled with blissful joy throughout pregnancy and postpartum. The next time someone asks how you’re doing, consider what it would be like to answer honestly instead of the readily available “I’m fine.”
2. Spread awareness.
So many moms suffer without treatment, thinking that this is just how motherhood is. The more factual information can be shared, the more moms will be able to realize, “Wow, I’m struggling, and I can find help for this.” PMADs are pervasive, and they’re also treatable. Being able to recognize the warning signs of PMADs can help to catch them early and treat them sooner.
3. Get support.
So you know you’re struggling, but where should you even start? I know it can be so overwhelming to know who to turn to or what you need. PMADs are often best treated with therapy and medication. Finding a provider specializing in perinatal mental health is imperative, as they are knowledgeable about the nuances of this period in life and can provide targeted support.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) is a wonderful resource that offers a provider directory to find certified professionals in your area. PSI also provides free online support groups for various populations, concerns, and lived experiences. The Hudson Valley Birth Network is a local resource that can connect you with various perinatal professionals, including therapists.
Here’s the thing: moms are struggling. And that doesn’t mean there isn’t light at the end of the tunnel. It can take time, but starting to talk, spread awareness, and get support can shift this from a silent struggle to a supported experience.
If you’re struggling, know that:
- Struggling does not mean you’re a bad mom or that you did anything wrong.
- You are not alone in your experience.
- Treatment is available. You don’t have to suffer.
