May is Maternal Mental Health Month: Why We Need to Talk About It
Each May, we shine a light on a topic that is too often kept in the dark: maternal mental health. While conversations around physical health during pregnancy and postpartum are common, the emotional and psychological challenges that many mothers face remain under-discussed, misunderstood, and stigmatized.
But here’s the truth: maternal mental health matters—and not just for moms, but for families, communities, and generations to come.
Why We Need to Talk About Maternal Mental Health
Every mother has a story. And far too often, that story includes silent suffering. When we don’t talk about maternal mental health, we unintentionally reinforce the idea that struggling is something to be ashamed of or hidden. By opening up the dialogue, we normalize the emotional complexities of motherhood and create space for healing, support, and advocacy.
This is not just a mental health issue—it’s a public health issue. And the numbers speak volumes.
The Statistics You Need to Know
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- 1 in 5 women will experience a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD).
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- 1 in 7 mothers experience postpartum depression.
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- 1 in 10 dads or partners may also struggle with postpartum mental health challenges.
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- Up to 70% of women who experience PMAD symptoms do not seek help—often due to fear, shame, or misinformation.
These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent real people navigating the complexities of becoming a parent, often feeling lost, overwhelmed, and alone.
Common PMADs and What They Look Like
PMADs are more than just postpartum depression. They include a range of conditions that can occur during pregnancy and up to a year (or more) postpartum:
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- Postpartum Depression: Persistent sadness, disconnection from baby, fatigue, irritability, guilt, and feelings of hopelessness.
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- Postpartum Anxiety: Excessive worry, racing thoughts, restlessness, physical symptoms like heart palpitations.
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- Postpartum OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder): Intrusive thoughts or images (often distressing and unwanted), repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety.
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- Postpartum PTSD: Often stemming from a traumatic birth, symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
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- Postpartum Bipolar Disorder: Shifts between periods of depression and mania, often misdiagnosed.
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- Postpartum Psychosis: A rare but severe condition involving delusions, hallucinations, and confusion—requires immediate medical attention.
Common Misconceptions and Misdiagnoses
One major barrier to care is the misunderstanding and mislabeling of symptoms. For example:
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- Baby blues vs. Postpartum Depression: Baby blues (experienced by up to 80% of mothers) typically resolve within two weeks postpartum. Postpartum depression lasts longer and is more intense. It’s not something you “snap out of.”
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- Anxiety vs. OCD: While both involve worry, postpartum OCD includes intrusive thoughts and compulsions, which are often misread or dismissed—even by professionals. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment and more distress.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential for effective support, and that starts with education—both for new parents and the professionals who serve them.
What to Do If You’re Struggling
If you are in the thick of it—whether you’re a brand new mom or months (even years) into motherhood—know this: what you’re feeling is valid, and you are not broken.
Here’s what you can do:
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- Talk to someone—a therapist, a trusted friend, your doctor. Speaking your truth out loud can be the first step to healing.
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- Educate yourself about PMADs and know the signs.
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- Ask for help—not because you’re weak, but because you’re wise.
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- Build your village, whether it’s a partner, family, support group, or mental health professional.
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- Practice self-compassion. There is no perfect motherhood. Give yourself permission to be human.
A Supportive Reminder
Therapy is not about fixing you—it’s about holding space for you, offering understanding, strategies, and reminders that your feelings are real, your experiences matter, and you don’t have to carry them alone.
Whether you’re quietly managing intrusive thoughts, sobbing in the shower during nap time, or simply feeling “off,” there is help, and there is hope.
You Are Not Alone
May is Maternal Mental Health Month—but your mental health matters every single day of the year. If you’re reading this and seeing yourself in these words, let this be a gentle hand on your shoulder:
You are not alone. You are not failing.
You are seen. You are strong.
And with the right support, you will feel like yourself again—maybe even for the first time in a long time.
Reach out! Our doors are open and our hearts are ready to support you in your journey!
As a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapist and I am here to help! I am located in Bryn Mawr, PA and offer virtual therapy sessions to clients located in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Learn more about Perinatal and Postpartum Therapy