May is National Maternal Mental Health Month, and Wednesday is World Maternal Mental Health Day. Experts from Postpartum Support International (PSI) are hoping to raise awareness about perinatal mental health disorders.
Andrea Clarke is the Deputy CEO of the organization. She discusses the scope of the problem.
“What we know is that one in five women suffer from a perinatal mental health disorder,” according to Clarke. “In addition to that, it’s even more broad, it goes beyond the person giving birth because one in 10 men, or male partners, also experience some form of perinatal mood disorder.”
She says only 24 percent of women receive treatment.
Executive Assistant Cody Alby says the organization is working to eliminate the stigma surrounding the disorders. She shares what to look out for.
“Some of the symptoms to be aware of when you might be experiencing a perinatal mental health disorder would be you feel disconnected,” Alby said. “Maybe you feel a bit numb, maybe you’re anxious, or you’re not enjoying the things that you once did.”
Alby is like many of those at PSI who are survivors/moms who have lived experience with the disorders.
“Maybe you feel disconnected specifically with your baby. A lot of moms report and this is something I experienced myself. You just don’t feel like you have that immediate, love and connection that you were told that you would have.”
Help can be found at PSI’s Helpline (1-800-944-4PPD) and free online resources are available at postpartum.net.
