Sunday, May 29, 2022 | 2 a.m.
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Focusing on mental health awareness benefits everyone — especially people who are pregnant or just had a baby, since 1 in 5 mothers meet the criteria for a mental health disorder during or after pregnancy.
While May is commonly associated with Mother’s Day, baby showers and happy spring beginnings, our country is still in the middle of a pandemic and financial crisis. Reports have documented the heavy toll the public health emergency has taken on our mental health, and how the U.S. is experiencing a dramatic increase in demand for mental health support for all ages and socio-economic groups, including pregnant people and new parents.
The pandemic has been marked by uncertainty, isolation, grief and trauma from things such as human loss, social unrest and violence. Imagine dealing with all of this adversity in addition to the physical and emotional challenges that come naturally during and after pregnancy.
Maternal mental health conditions are the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth. These conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar illness, substance use disorders and even postpartum psychosis. If left untreated, they can have long-term, negative impacts on parents, babies, families and society. Additionally, Mental Health America reports that up to 40% of people of color experience these maternal mental health conditions but are only half as likely as their white counterparts to receive treatment.
The need is critical, so this month, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department launched the Maternal Mental Health Hotline to create opportunities for expecting and new parents to talk about mental health challenges via phone or text. Health care management organizations, including Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, have also made a commitment to starting conversations and connecting entire communities with the education, information and resources needed to support healthy parents and babies. For example, once we become aware that a member is pregnant, our staff reaches out to share information about benefits, resources and supports. We also work with health care providers and community advocates to start conversations about mental health challenges, well before they become life-threatening. And whenever possible, we encourage pregnant members to share their pregnancy news with health care providers.
Friends and family of those who are pregnant can also play a huge role in getting help and support for mental health. Social and cultural stigma are among the top reasons why pregnant and postpartum people do not access needed mental health and substance use disorder resources. Having candid conversations about feelings and emotions, or just checking in to ask a friend or loved one how their pregnancy is going and how they are feeling, could go a long way in breaking that stigma.
Consider asking open-ended questions to get pregnant people to talk candidly about how they are feeling. You can also consider sharing personal experiences to create a safe space for admitting to emotional struggles. Also, share reminders that not everyone has to follow the pregnancy advice that is trending on social media, and that it is preferable to get help from a professional. There is plenty of credible pregnancy and women’s health information and resources online as well as trusted sources that even offer personalized health information and tips via text.
Mental health is a crucial part of a healthy pregnancy and healthy future for new families. Without open conversations about maternal mental health, we cannot make progress in supporting pregnant people and new parents. Mental Health Awareness Month encourages everyone to take time to learn more about maternal mental health and to be empowered to start conversations that can improve and save lives. Take the first step to make a positive difference, and if you need help, start by talking to your doctor, medical provider or even your health care insurer.
Dr. Jennifer Hailey is medical director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Nevada.
