Bringing Maternal Mental Health to the Forefront: Discussion Tips

Maternal mental health is a pressing but often overlooked issue, especially in high-risk populations like those residing in underserved or rural areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression. It is also important to recognize that low-income and underserved women tend to have higher rates of postpartum depression. Research also shows that about 50% of postpartum depression cases go undiagnosed and untreated due to the stigma surrounding it. This leads to significant long-term impacts on both the mother’s and child’s well-being. Public health professionals must address this issue with sensitivity and empathy, using specific language that reduces stigma, normalizes seeking help and treatment, and creates an environment of trust.

How To Discuss Maternal Mental Health

1. Acknowledge the Prevalence of Maternal Mental Health Issues

Create a space for open conversation and reinforce that maternal mental health challenges are real and shared experiences. When having these conversations, use language that emphasizes the severity of maternal mental health issues like postpartum depression. You can share statistics and stories to normalize these issues and remind mothers they are not alone.
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Resources:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - Summary of Perinatal Mental Health Conditions
• American Hospital Association - Are You Using Caring and Supportive Language About Maternal Mental Health?
• ​Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance - Maternal Mental Health Overview
• Moms' Mental Health Matters​ - Conversation Starters for Partners, Family, and Friends

2. Normalize and Destigmatize Maternal Mental Health Struggles

Recognize that many women face mental health challenges during and after pregnancy, and highlight mental health as equally important as physical health. Be sure to address cultural stigmas that prevent open discussions on maternal mental health when encouraging women to seek mental health care.

Resources:

• Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance - Black Women, Birthing People, and Maternal Mental Health
• Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance - Military, Veteran Women, and Maternal Mental Health
• McLean Hospital - Native American Mental Health: What You Need To Know
• National Institutes of Health - Mom's Mental Health Matters​​ Materials
• Office on Women's Health - Maternal Mental Health: Know the Signs. Reach Out for Help
• Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health - American Indian and Alaskan Native Maternal Mental Health
• Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health - Latina and Hispanic Maternal Mental Health

3. Recognize the Impact of Untreated Maternal Mental Health Issues on Children and Families

Stress how there are consequences to untreated maternal mental health issues on children and families, such as children’s development, relationships, and overall family health.
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Resources:

• American Hospital Association - Improving Maternal Mental Health Outcomes
•  Maternal Mental Health Alliance - Counting the Costs ​

4. Address Barriers to Maternal Mental Health Care Access in Underserved Populations

​Acknowledge that financial, geographical, and cultural barriers can prevent access to mental health care, particularly in underserved areas. Raise awareness of the importance of making mental health resources accessible to ensure all mothers receive the care they need, and advocate for removing barriers to access.

Resources:

• American Hospital Association - Prioritizing the Mental Health of Mothers and Families Infographic
• March of Dimes - Becoming an Advocate for Maternal Mental Health
• Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance - Perinatal Mental Health Advocacy Toolkit

Addressing maternal mental health, particularly in underserved and rural populations, is vital for the well-being and health of both the mothers and their families. By creating safe spaces for open conversations, normalizing mental health struggles, and advocating for accessible resources, public health professionals can create a supportive environment that encourages mothers to seek help. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by high-risk populations can drive progress toward maternal mental health solutions and better health outcomes for mothers and their children.

Access the Health Resources and Services Administration - 1-833-TLC-MAMA Hotline Partner Toolkit.

By: Ojasvi Joshi