Maternal mental health should be everyone's priority.
As we celebrate Maternal Mental Health Advocacy Day, it's important to recognize that maternal mental health is a critical issue that affects countless mothers and families around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the problem, leaving many moms feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and struggling with their mental health.
As a counseling practice, we're committed to raising awareness about maternal mental health and providing resources to those in need. Here are some ways to advocate and support maternal mental health:
Educate Yourself and Others
The first step to advocating for maternal mental health is to educate yourself and others about the issue. Share information about the prevalence of maternal mental health disorders, the risk factors, and the signs and symptoms to look out for. Help break down the stigma around seeking help for mental health issues.
Support Maternal Mental Health Organizations
There are many organizations that are dedicated to supporting maternal mental health. Consider donating to organizations such as Postpartum Support International or the National Perinatal Association, which work to raise awareness and provide resources for perinatal mental health.
Share Your Story
Sharing your own experience with maternal mental health can help others feel less alone and more encouraged to seek help. Sharing your story can also help to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and raise awareness about the need for more resources and support.
Advocate for Better Maternal Mental Health Care
Advocating for better maternal mental health care is crucial to ensuring that moms receive the support they need. This includes advocating for policies that support maternal mental health, as well as ensuring that healthcare providers are trained to identify and treat maternal mental health disorders.
Postpartum Support International Mind the Gap advocacy effort is a crucial initiative in advocating for better maternal mental health care. The campaign aims to address the gaps in maternal mental health care by advocating for policies that improve access to care, increasing funding for research and treatment, and promoting awareness of the issue.
The campaign focuses on four key areas: screening and treatment, healthcare provider education, funding for research and treatment, and legislative and policy advocacy. Through Mind the Gap, Postpartum Support International pushes for policy changes that will improve access to care for moms. The campaign aims to ensure that all moms have access to screening and appropriate treatment for maternal mental health disorders and that healthcare providers are trained to identify and treat maternal mental health disorders.
Finally, Mind the Gap advocates for policy changes that improve access to maternal mental health care, such as expanding Medicaid coverage for maternal mental health care and ensuring that insurance plans cover treatment for maternal mental health disorders and ensuring that insurance plans cover treatment for maternal mental health disorders.
Through Mind the Gap, Postpartum Support International is working to ensure that all moms have access to the care they need to support their mental health during and after pregnancy. As advocates for maternal mental health, Whole Counseling & Wellness, encourages everyone to support this critical initiative and join the fight for better maternal mental health care.
For those struggling with maternal mental health, it's important to know that help is available. Here are some resources that may be helpful:
Postpartum Support International - provides resources, support, and treatment options for moms struggling with perinatal mental health issues.
Provider Directory: Find a local perinatal mental health provider on PSI's directory.
The National Perinatal Association - a professional organization dedicated to supporting perinatal healthcare providers and improving maternal mental health care.
Crisis Text Line - provides free 24/7 support via text message for those in crisis. Text HOME to 741741.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - provides free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7. Call 988.
At Whole Counseling & Wellness, we're committed to supporting maternal mental health and providing resources and support to those in need. If you or someone you know is struggling with maternal mental health, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help.