Los Angeles, CA – Postpartum depression rates in the United States are showing signs of improvement as healthcare organizations make efforts to address the ongoing crisis. However, many new mothers continue to experience feelings of isolation and lack of support, leading to challenges in seeking help.
After five months of maternity leave with her second child, Pam Lins returned to work during the pandemic, juggling remote work with the responsibilities of caring for her newborn and toddler. It wasn’t until eight months postpartum that she realized she was struggling with anxiety and needed help. Lins’s experience is not uncommon, as many women dismiss symptoms of postpartum depression, such as persistent feelings of doom and overwhelm.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, one in eight women experienced postpartum depression. However, in 2020, that number skyrocketed to one in three. This surge prompted healthcare professionals to take action in supporting pregnant and postpartum women, leading to increased integration of mental health care into maternal health services.
Despite efforts to address postpartum depression, challenges remain in diagnosing and treating perinatal mood disorders. Data shows that a significant percentage of pregnancies can trigger new episodes of depression, yet screening rates for pregnant and postpartum individuals remain low. Medical organizations advocate for routine screenings, but inconsistencies in offerings and lack of access to healthcare contribute to the crisis unique to the U.S.
Dr. Clayton Shuman, an associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, highlights the need to remove the stigma around maternal mental health. While progress has been made in addressing mental health in general, more efforts are needed to improve perinatal mental health care due to its predominant association with women’s health.
The effects of the pandemic have exacerbated challenges for new mothers, affecting not only their mental health but also their access to crucial healthcare services like lactation support and postpartum care. As a result, healthcare providers have been urged to conduct validated screenings for postpartum depression during well-infant checkups, recognizing the vital role of early detection and support for parents.
Disparities in care persist, with factors such as institutionalized medical sexism and social determinants of health influencing the quality of care received by pregnant and postpartum women. Efforts to address these disparities include initiatives to expand support services, like doula coverage in state insurance plans, which has shown to improve maternal health outcomes and bridge health inequities.
Access to mental health care remains a challenge for many postpartum women, particularly due to increased demand for services since the pandemic. However, seeking help and treatment for postpartum depression is crucial, as untreated symptoms can escalate into generalized depression. It’s essential for new parents to prioritize their mental health and reach out for support when needed.
In conclusion, the journey through postpartum and motherhood can be challenging, but seeking help and accessing appropriate care are essential steps in promoting mental well-being for new mothers. The ongoing efforts to integrate mental health care into maternal health services and address disparities in care are crucial in supporting the health and well-being of postpartum individuals.