JACKSON – Maternal mental health conditions are among the leading causes of pregnancy-related death, according to the state’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC).
Throughout May, Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is partnering with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Postpartum Support International (PSI) Mississippi chapter to raise awareness of the critical importance of supporting mothers during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Maternal mental health conditions – including depression, anxiety, and other mood-related disorders – are among the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Nationally, 1 in 5 women experience a perinatal mental health disorder, yet many don’t receive the care they need. PSI reports that these conditions affect an estimated 800,000 new parents each year and that many continue to face stigma, silence and barriers to treatment. In Mississippi, 82 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, with most occurring after birth, according to the most recent MMRC report.
“Far too many new moms are dying or suffering in silence from mental health issues, and we are not doing enough to prevent it,” said State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney. “Welcoming a new baby should be a time for celebrating, not grieving. We’re proud to partner with DMH and PSI to support maternal mental health and are committed to saving the lives of babies and their mothers.”
Maternal mental health is influenced by factors including access to care, social support, maternal stress, trauma and loss. PSI notes that miscarriage and infant loss are also associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Mothers navigating grief and bereavement need compassionate, trauma-informed support as part of a comprehensive maternal mental health response.
“The first step towards getting help is reaching out for it,” said Wendy Bailey, DMH executive director. “We need to normalize asking for help when it’s needed, and there is maybe no other time it’s needed more than when mothers have welcomed new additions to their families. If you need a hand, Mississippi is full of people ready and willing to help.”
MSDH and PSI encourage healthcare providers, community organizations, policymakers and families to take an active role in supporting maternal mental health by promoting routine screening during pregnancy and postpartum care, expanding access to person-centered and trauma-informed services, strengthening community-based supports, and reducing stigma through open conversation and awareness.
Mothers should know they are not alone. Help is available through the resources below:
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA
Postpartum Support International HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773
Learn more about the PSI Mississippi Chapter here: https://psichapters.com/ms/