Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is May 1-7. Depression and anxiety are some of the most common mental health issues experienced by new mothers. Emotional well-being is important for mothers caring for and raising children. Virtually all mothers will experience a sudden drop in hormones and mood changes known as the “baby blues” shortly after giving birth and one in five women struggle longer with their mental wellness. 

In New Mexico, women who experienced postpartum depression were three times more likely to have stress during the 12 months before their baby was born including: 

• Partner stress, such as a divorce or domestic violence.
• Financial stress, such as living in poverty or losing a job.
• Traumatic stress such as a close person struggling with a drug or alcohol problem or emotional stress, such as a close family member being very sick or passing away.

Twenty percent of all new mothers experience emotional hardship after having a baby. If you or a new mother you know are having any of the following symptoms, it is important to get help:

• Feeling sad or depressed.
• Feeling more irritable or angry with those around you.
• Having difficulty bonding with your baby.
• Feeling anxious or panicky.
• Having problems with eating or sleeping.
• Having upsetting thoughts you can’t get out of your mind.
• Feeling like you’re out of control or losing touch with reality.
• Feeling like you never should have become a parent.
• Worrying that you might hurt your baby or yourself.

Learning the best way to manage these emotions through treatment can help and is available. 

Surrounding ourselves with help every day is important, and if you know a new mother or father who might be struggling, be proactive in helping them find the necessary help. They might be facing barriers to healthcare due to a lack of insurance or a language barrier that prevents them from asking for assistance. BHSD supports programs that deliver comprehensive, culturally informed services to new mothers that include caring for their postpartum mental health as well as connecting them to additional resources for support.

Mental health support and treatment is available to New Mexicans who qualify at low or no financial cost. Medicaid has recently been expanded to offer programs that benefit new mothers and families, like home visiting to help families achieve healthy pregnancies, births, and newborns. It will also cover continuous medical care for New Mexico children up to age six, supportive housing programs to provide safe and stable housing to at-risk individuals and access to home-delivered meals to meet nutrition needs.

Maternal depression is a widespread public health issue that takes a toll on the well-being and livelihood of mothers and their families. It demands a strong community response involving people who share a common vision to strengthen the health and resilience of all mothers and families in need of help and support. All mothers, fathers, and families deserve support during pregnancy and parenthood. Maternal depression is a treatable condition, with full recovery possible with the right assistance.