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Maternal Mental Health

“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. They affect new parents of every culture, age, gender, race, and income level. And they’re treatable.

woman holding a baby

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Know the symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety

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:

    • Feeling sad or hopeless most of the time  
    • Having no interest in things you used to enjoy 
    • Not caring for yourself as well (dressing, showering) 
    • Trouble focusing 
    • Not managing daily chores  
    • Sleeping or eating too much or too little 

  • Common postpartum anxiety signs:

    • Worrying about your baby or yourself often
    • Feeling uneasy or nervous
    • Feeling irritable or angry for no obvious reason
    • Having unwanted or disturbing thoughts
    • Thinking that you're not a good person or a good parent

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, the Hotline can help.

  • Needing support is common

    A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study shows that:

  • About

    Number 1

    In

    Number 8

    People

    experience postpartum depression.

    • One in five people were not asked about depression during a prenatal (pre-birth) visit.
    • Over half of people with postpartum depression were not treated for it.

There are many causes of maternal mental health challenges

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.

Depressed woman with a toddler

Some causes of these conditions:

  • Emotional or physical demands of life or pregnancy
  • Hormonal changes
  • Challenges of caring for a baby
  • Personal or family history of a mental health condition
  • Alcohol or other substance use

Treatments are available

Mental health conditions are treatable.

  • Health care professionals can help choose the best treatment options based on:

    • Type of symptoms and how serious they are 
    • History of mental health conditions (depression, anxiety) 
    • Other medical conditions 
    • How a person responds to treatment 

    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. 

    holding hands
  • man with baby offering mother support

  • 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.

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