Postpartum depression is more common than you may think – as are a range of other mental health concerns that may begin during or after pregnancy. The perinatal period describes this time during pregnancy through the first year after a baby is born. Perinatal mood disorders effect 1 in 5 new mothers. Women are at higher risk of developing a mood disorder if they have a low income, have little or no social support, family history of depression, are a teen mom, had difficulty getting pregnant, preterm labor and delivery, or are expecting multiples. Additionally, women of color and women under 20 report higher instances of mood disorders. New moms are suffering, and many do not know the signs to look out for or what can be done to help.
Catholic Charities began providing education on mood disorders in 2023. As we meet with expectant parents who are applying for financial assistance or baby items, our staff are able to share some of this important information with parents. We discuss symptoms, prevalence, and treatment options. We give new moms a self-care plan and resources for therapists, discussing medication with their doctor, and hotlines for immediate support. We want mothers to know that perinatal mood disorders are not their fault, and there is help available.
As we have shared this education, many women recognize that they may have suffered silently during a previous pregnancy, but not known there was anything they could do. Others have recognized symptoms of postpartum depression in their friends, but never known what to say. Catholic Charities is providing help and hope by giving families tools to have difficult conversations – with other family members, their own support system, or their doctor. We are sharing that mood disorders are more than depression; We have seen women suffering with postpartum anxiety, postpartum psychosis, and postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder. We provide nationally-recognized screening tools to help women identify when there might be a problem, and get them connected to the services they need for support. When mothers are healthy, they can provide more stability for their children.
For immediate help, call 911
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-852-6262
Non Emergency Pregnancy and Postpartum support MN: 1-800-944-4773