MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Johnson (410) 219-3947 (Office) (410) 251-5379 (Cell)
MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
(May 2, 2025, Salisbury, MD) May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. This focuses on the emotional and mental well-being of people during pregnancy and after giving birth. Mental health issues are the most common problems related to pregnancy, affecting about 800,000 families each year in the U.S. These issues can include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and postpartum psychosis. Depression is the most common, affecting 1 in 8 people.
Most people impacted by these conditions do not receive treatment, increasing the risk of long-term negative effects on mothers, babies, and families. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of postpartum mental illness.
Common postpartum depression signs:
- Feeling sad or hopeless most of the time
- Having no interest in things you used to enjoy
- Not caring for yourself as well (dressing, showering)
- Trouble focusing
- Not managing daily chores
- Sleeping or eating too much or too little
Common postpartum anxiety signs:
- Worrying about your baby or yourself often
- Feeling uneasy or nervous
- Feeling irritable or angry for no obvious reason
- Having unwanted or disturbing thoughts
- Thinking that you’re not a good person or a good parent
Maternal Mental Health conditions are treatable. It is important to connect with a healthcare professional to discuss prevention and treatment.
If you or someone you know is in need of help and suffers from maternal mental health challenges, text or call The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA. This hotline is free, confidential, and here to help, 24/7. For more info, visit the Wicomico County Health Department’s website at www.wicomicohealth.org or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram (WicomicoHealth).
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