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May 1 marks the beginning of Maternal Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness and support for the mental health of new mothers. This month-long observance was established in 2003 by the National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health and has since been recognized by organizations around the world. It's an important reminder that motherhood is not always easy, and it's okay to seek help and support during this transitional period. Let's come together to celebrate and uplift all the amazing moms out there!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Medical Recognition of PPD</div><div class='timeline-text'>Postpartum depression (PPD) is officially recognized as a distinct medical condition in the DSM-III, acknowledging the mental health issues many new mothers face.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of Postpartum Support International</div><div class='timeline-text'>Postpartum Support International (PSI) is formed to provide direct peer support to families, train professionals, and provide a bridge to connect them.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Maternal Mental Health Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health designates May as Maternal Mental Health Month to raise awareness and support for the mental health of new mothers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mental Health in The Affordable Care Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Affordable Care Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama, requires health insurance plans to cover mental and behavioral health services, including those relevant to maternal mental health.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The Federal Investment in Perinatal Mental Health Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>This Act provides federal funding to states to improve access to screening, treatment services, and education for women experiencing postpartum depression.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Connect with other moms</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Reach out to other moms in your community and plan a playdate or meet-up. This is a great way to build a support network and talk about the ups and downs of motherhood.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a workshop or seminar</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for local workshops or seminars that focus on maternal mental health. These can provide valuable information and resources for both new and experienced mothers.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Practice self-care</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. Whether it's through exercise, meditation, or simply taking a long bath, self-care is essential for maintaining good mental health.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a letter to your child</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use this month as an opportunity to reflect on your journey as a mother and write a letter to your child. This can be a meaningful keepsake for both you and your child in the future.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use social media or other platforms to educate others about maternal mental health and why it's important to prioritize mental health for new mothers.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for a stigmatized issue</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Maternal mental health is often a taboo topic and can carry a lot of stigma. By dedicating an entire month to raising awareness, we can start breaking down these barriers and having open conversations about maternal mental health.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It provides support for new mothers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The postpartum period can be overwhelming and challenging for many new mothers. Maternal Mental Health Month reminds us to check in on the well-being of new mothers and provide them with the support they need during this vulnerable time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes self-care for mothers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Maternal Mental Health Month is a reminder for mothers to prioritize their own mental well-being. It encourages self-care practices such as seeking therapy, practicing mindfulness, and taking time for oneself amidst the busy demands of motherhood.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Up to 1 in 5 Women Experience Postpartum Mood Disorders</h3><p class='facts-content'>Postpartum mood disorders including postpartum depression are much more common than most people realize. The American Psychological Association estimates that up to 1 in 5 women experience these mood disorders, although often undiagnosed and untreated.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Maternal Mental Health Disorders Can Develop During Pregnancy</h3><p class='facts-content'>While most people associate maternal mental health disorders with the postpartum period, these can also develop during pregnancy, known as antenatal depression or anxiety.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Postpartum Psychosis is a Severe and Rare Condition</h3><p class='facts-content'>Postpartum psychosis is rare but severe condition, affecting about 1 in 1,000 new mothers. It causes hallucinations and delusional thinking, and often requires immediate medical attention.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Risk Factors for Maternal Mental Health Disorders are Diverse</h3><p class='facts-content'>Various risk factors can contribute to the development of maternal mental health disorders, including personal or family history of mental health issues, lack of social support, traumatic childbirth experience, and hormonal changes.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Symptoms of Maternal Mental Health Disorders Vary </h3><p class='facts-content'>Symptoms can vary significantly, ranging from feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, or restlessness, to more severe symptoms such as having thoughts of harming oneself or their baby in serious cases.</p></div></div>
Maternal Mental Health Month is celebrated on May 1 every year. In 2024 it will fall on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday
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