“Maternal mental health” means a pregnant or postpartum person’s overall emotional, social, and mental well-being.
Depression and anxiety during or after pregnancy are common. And they’re treatable.
“Maternal mental health” means a pregnant or postpartum person’s overall emotional, social, and mental well-being.
Depression and anxiety during or after pregnancy are common. And they’re treatable.
Postpartum depression usually starts about 4 − 8 weeks after the baby is born.
Symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety can be different for different people.
Common postpartum depression signs:
Common postpartum anxiety signs:
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, the Hotline can help.
A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study shows that:
About
In
People
experience postpartum depression.
Maternal mental health challenges are real. They happen to many people.
Postpartum depression or anxiety are serious conditions that can affect pregnant or postpartum people. Postpartum psychosis (a condition where a person finds it hard to tell what’s real and what’s not real) can put the baby’s and mother’s life in danger.
Some causes of these conditions:
Mental health conditions are treatable.
Health care professionals can help choose the best treatment options based on:
Support groups may help. Medicines are available and can be given by licensed clinicians. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is another option. Some people need both medicine and psychotherapy at the same time.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can connect you with people who can support you. It can also connect you with clinicians who can help treat you.
Family support
If you’re the partner or family member of a pregnant or postpartum person, we’re here for you, too. You can contact the Hotline to get support for someone else or yourself.