75% of women go untreated for postpartum mental health conditions

It’s an understatement to say that the process of becoming a mother is transformative: It’s seismic. Along with the physical changes of pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding, psychological shifts also arise, requiring a whole new level of support. While awareness of postpartum mental health conditions like postpartum depression (PPD) has thankfully grown in recent decades, and more treatment options like Zurzuvae have come along, recent estimates show that we’re still not likely reaching—or supporting—the majority of mothers who might be struggling. And that can have long-term implications. 

Postpartum mothers need more support

A recent survey report from BabyCenter and economist Emily Oster paints the picture of just how unsupported most mothers feel after having a child.

Just 38% of new mothers who responded felt truly prepared to care for their own physical and mental health after delivering. The survey also found that medically speaking, less than half of new mothers (41%) feel they have adequate support postpartum.

Low support can be a direct factor in postpartum mental health conditions. According to CDC data, as many as 1 in 8 women are estimated to be impacted by a postpartum mental health condition, which can range from postpartum depression and anxiety to postpartum psychosis.

But it’s estimated that nearly 4 out of 5 of those women—75%—don’t receive treatment for their condition. 

Part of the issue is access, but it’s also stigma. Finding mental health services—much less a provider trained in postpartum mental health disorders (PMHDs)—can be both challenging and prohibitively expensive. There’s also the fact that mothers can feel wracked with guilt or shame if they don’t immediately bond with their baby or aren’t seen as exhibiting anything other than joy about their new addition. Some may fear that seeking help for their mental health struggles will brand them as unfit parents or lead to judgment. Consequently, the stigma means too many moms are left suffering in silence, fearing the repercussions of reaching out for support.

The consequences of untreated PMHDs can be serious

If mothers aren’t able to receive treatment for mental health conditions in pregnancy and postpartum, they can face severe and long-lasting consequences. Studies have shown that untreated PMHDs can lead to a range of adverse outcomes, both for the mother and child.

When it comes to maternal health, untreated PMHDs can result in impaired daily functioning, poor mother-child bonding and strained relationships. These conditions can also increase the risk of recurrence in future pregnancies. In extreme cases, untreated PMHDs have been associated with suicidal ideation and attempts, posing a significant risk to the mother’s well-being and even her life.

The impact on the child should not be underestimated either. Research has indicated that children born to mothers with untreated PMHDs may be at a higher risk of developmental delays, behavioral problems and emotional difficulties. The mother-child bonding process can also be affected, potentially impacting the child’s emotional development and overall well-being.

Furthermore, untreated PMHDs can strain the entire family unit, affecting the partner and other family members who may struggle to understand or provide adequate support to the mother.

A new National Maternal Mental Health Task Force hopes to help

This is a problem, clearly—and one of the reasons why the Biden-Harris Administration recently created a new National Maternal Mental Health Task Force in 2023. 

“Our nation is facing a maternal mortality crisis. Women in our nation are dying from pregnancy-related causes before, during, and after childbirth at a higher rate than any other developed nation,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “I directed our government agencies to come up with deliberate and tangible plans to address the maternal health crisis in this country. Today’s announcement of additional strategic investments to address the maternal health crisis demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of all women and their families.”

In partnership with the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (Executive Director Adrienne Griffen will serve on the Task Force, alongside other federal and nonfederal members, including those with lived experience), the Task Force is designed to “create a national strategy to address maternal mental health disorders and to coordinate and integrate maternal mental health into existing maternal, infant, and mental health activities at the federal level.” 

In conjunction, the Department of Health and Human Services announced $103 million in funding to support and expand access to maternal health, including: 

• Expanding and diversifying the perinatal workforce to train and deploy more nurse midwives
• Increasing access to maternity care in underserved and rural communities
• Investing in training for OB-GYNs and midwives in treating behavioral health
• Establishing a new research network to study disparities in maternal health outcomes

The hope is that an influx of resources and support will make it easier for moms everywhere to access the maternal mental health care they desperately need—and that more providers will be trained to both recognize the signs of PMHDs and help treat them. 

It’s not uncommon for women to hide their symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety from their healthcare providers—or even avoid seeking help at all. This stigma not only prevents mothers from seeking the help they need but also perpetuates a cycle of silence and suffering.

Here’s what to know about getting postpartum mental health support 

Know you are not alone

It’s crucial for mothers to understand that postpartum mental health conditions are common and nothing to be ashamed of. They can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or circumstances. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Talk to your healthcare provider

During pregnancy and postpartum, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential. Don’t hesitate to discuss your mental health concerns with them. They can provide guidance, refer you to specialists or recommend support groups.

Trust that support is available

Many resources are available for mothers struggling with postpartum mental health conditions. Reach out to organizations like PSI or Postpartum Progress, which offer helplines, online communities, and valuable information. Additionally, consider joining a local support group where you can connect with other mothers facing similar challenges.

Don’t ignore the signs

Be vigilant about recognizing the signs of postpartum mental health conditions, which can include persistent sadness, anxiety, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and difficulty bonding with your baby. Ask your partner to help you spot these signs, too. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery. 

Seek professional help

If you believe you are experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Therapy, medication, or a combination of both can be highly effective in treating these conditions. Remember, getting help is the first step toward a brighter future for both you and your baby.

A version of this story was originally published on Oct. 20, 2023. It has been updated.