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Addressing Perinatal Mental Health with Support, Not Stigma 👩‍🍼
Mya000 September 3rd

Perinatal mental health, covering pregnancy to one year after birth, is often overlooked despite its critical importance. Many women face emotional challenges during this period, with up to 85% experiencing "baby blues" and about 10-20% developing more severe conditions like depression, anxiety, or psychosis. In low and middle-income countries, these rates are even higher due to limited access to care.


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Stigma and Systemic Barriers

The stigma surrounding perinatal mental health is a major barrier to seeking help. Many women fear being judged as "bad mothers" or worry about potential consequences, such as child custody issues. This stigma leads to silence, with 70% of women hiding their symptoms. Insufficient screening, lack of provider training, and inequities in care access further compound the problem. For example, despite UK guidelines for perinatal mental health screening, nearly half of the cases remain undiagnosed.

The Need for Better Support

To address these issues, we need comprehensive approaches that include routine screening, early identification, and accessible treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and approved medications. Interventions must be expanded, especially for marginalized communities that face higher risks. Innovative solutions and community support are vital for breaking down barriers and providing equitable care.

Moving Forward

Improving perinatal mental health care requires a shift from stigma to support. We need collaborative efforts from healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities to ensure all women receive the care they need. By raising awareness and integrating mental health services into routine care, we can better support mothers and promote healthy outcomes for both them and their children.

Questions for the Community:

  1. Have you or someone you know experienced perinatal mental health challenges? What helped or hindered seeking support?
  2. What changes do you think are needed to reduce stigma around perinatal mental health?
  3. How can communities better support new mothers facing mental health issues?

We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your voice can help break the silence and support others facing similar challenges 💙

Perinatal mental health, maternal mental health, postpartum depression, stigma, mental health support, systemic barriers, mental health screening, preventive interventions, perinatal care, women's health

4
Mya000 OP September 3rd
This post is informed by research from The Lancet on perinatal mental health.
Mya000 OP September 3rd

Tagging @adventurousBranch3786 @ashleybell415 @ASPIRINGCOUNSELOR @Aylathegreat @azuladragon34 @blxepxndx @calmmoon2104 @creativeTalker5179 @DaisyBeeBlooming @decisivePapaya238 @Eddy94 @emotionalkitty101 @fluffypickles123 @GentleLily3 @gentleWater9634 @halcyonCloud2036 @HarmonyBlossom @Jaeteuk @janiewanie423 @K87 @kala @KarmaTheRascal @KindnessMatters2020 @lalabrowni @listenwithempathy @littleLemon4973 @LovingPeacefulHeart @Noorahmed89 @OptimisticMoon1124 @PFord79 @pioneeringShade8010 @RainbowRosie @shyMoon8539 @sincereSkies9563 @SirenOfSerenity @Smilintru67 @softSummer7903 @SomeHope2022 @SoulfullyAButterfly @tealPark1424 @trueconfidant123 @woMango9097 @zaramerch @LittleSunshine2036 @Mya000 @RobinNew @sky2Ocean20 @KaylaMaulfair @TheCucumberry @purpleTree4652 @daydreammemories @iloveyouxx @victoriousLily5344 @GoldenRuleJG
trueconfidant123 September 4th

@Mya000

Thanks for tagging me.

Have you or someone you know experienced perinatal mental health challenges? What helped or hindered seeking support?

Yes, a relative post her pregnancy. She was hesitant about opening up regarding her insecurities in the last trimester. Eventually, the bottled up emotions complicated the delivery.

What changes do you think are needed to reduce stigma around perinatal mental health?

Increased awareness about the importance of perinatal mental health. Not labelling the rollercoaster emotions as just hormonal changes, creating a safe environment for open discussion and communication.

How can communities better support new mothers facing mental health issues?

Sharing experiences within and outside communities. Generalising the struggles and assuring new moms that they're not alone in this.

1 reply
Mya000 OP September 7th

@trueconfidant123 

Thank you for sharing your perspective. It’s so important to address these issues openly. I’m sorry to hear about your relative's experience—it highlights how crucial it is to recognize and address perinatal mental health challenges early on.

I completely agree that increasing awareness and not dismissing emotions as just hormonal changes are key to reducing stigma. Creating a safe and supportive environment where new mothers feel comfortable sharing their experiences is essential.

Communities can make a significant difference by fostering open discussions and normalizing the struggles of new mothers. Offering reassurance and sharing experiences can help alleviate the feeling of isolation that many new moms face.

Thank you again for contributing to this important conversation 💜

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