The Untold Statistics of Maternal Mental Health
Written By Amy Green
Understanding Maternal Mental Health
Did you know that 1 in 5 new mothers struggle with perinatal mood disorders, yet the vast majority remain without the specialized care they need? This statistic is staggering, and it's a crisis affecting mothers, families, and children—every single day.
Perinatal mood disorders (PMDs) cover emotional challenges like depression & anxiety. Despite their prevalence, many women find specialized care out of reach due to the cost of the provider or lack of access to providers—a critical gap in our healthcare infrastructure.
As the founder of Mamaya Health, my journey through recurrent loss and secondary infertility has been a driving force behind our mission to ensure that no mother has to navigate these challenges alone.
Why It Matters: Stories and Statistics
Entering motherhood is often depicted as a time of joy and fulfillment, but for many women, the reality can be far more complex. Imagine this: You've eagerly anticipated the arrival of your baby, dreaming of cuddles and lullabies, only to find yourself overwhelmed and blindsided by a wave of emotions you never expected.
Perinatal mood disorders, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, can cast a shadow over what “should” be a precious time in a woman's life. Contrary to popular belief, these struggles don't always manifest immediately after giving birth. They can arise during pregnancy, following a pregnancy loss, or even linger into the first year of motherhood as hormones fluctuate and life adjusts to accommodate a new family member.
For some women, the signs are subtle at first – a nagging sense of unease, difficulty sleeping, or intrusive thoughts that refuse to be silenced. Others find themselves caught in a storm of emotions, swinging from irritability to overwhelming sadness, crying spells that seem to have no end, and a sense of isolation that feels so incredibly lonely.
The simplest tasks become Herculean feats as self-care falls by the wayside, and caring for a newborn feels like an insurmountable challenge. And in the darkest moments, the thought of escape can creep in, as well as thoughts of suicide.
But amid the chaos and despair, there is hope. Because maternal mental health struggles are not a solitary battle. They are a shared experience, one that countless women have navigated before and will navigate in the future. By reaching out for support — whether from loved ones, healthcare professionals, or support groups, — women can find the strength to weather the storm and emerge on the other side, stronger and more resilient than they ever imagined.
So, to all the mothers who find themselves grappling with the shadows of perinatal mood disorders, know this: You are not alone. Your struggles are valid, your pain is seen, and there is light waiting to guide you through the darkness. And as you journey through the highs and lows of motherhood, may you find solace in the knowledge that kindness, compassion, and support are always within reach.
Here are some alarming statistics about maternal mental health that highlight the critical need to provide accessible care to mothers:
Suicide is among the top reasons for maternal mortality in the first year after childbirth.
20% of women face a maternal mental health disorder during or after pregnancy.
75% of these women do not receive the treatment they need due to inadequate screening and the scarcity of maternity care facilities.
Black women are twice as likely to encounter maternal mental health conditions but half as likely to get help.
Over 80% of preventable pregnancy-related deaths could have been avoided with proper maternal mental health care.
Mamaya Health’s Approach
At Mamaya Health, we believe in the power of specialized support. Every therapist on our team is specifically trained in maternal mental health, providing our clients with the highest level of care tailored to their unique needs. Our virtual therapy services address a range of issues, including:
Perinatal depression
Anxiety
Trauma
Postpartum OCD
Isolation or overwhelm
Pregnancy loss or grief
Infertility
By harnessing the ease of virtual therapy Mamaya Health aims to reduce the complexities of motherhood; dismantling barriers to access and elevating the quality of maternal mental health care.
Bridging the Accessibility Gap with Virtual Therapy
Mamaya Health is dedicated to transforming maternal mental health care from a luxury into a fundamental right. Our virtual therapy platform is a step towards bridging the gap, making evidenced based care accessible to every mother in need. By empowering mothers in their most vulnerable moments, we will make strides towards a healthier, more resilient society.
Virtual therapy has proven to be as effective as outpatient therapy. Online therapy allows you to connect with a therapist via a smartphone, tablet, or computer. This allows women attending multiple doctors appointments when navigating infertility treatments, pregnancy, or postpartum, the ease of joining their therapy session without having the hassle of traffic or having to load a baby into the car. Additionally, virtual modalities increase access to care for women who are in rural areas and may not have a maternal mental health therapist or provider nearby.
Key Takeaways
Suicide is among the top reasons for maternal mortality in the first year after childbirth.
1 in 5 new mothers faces perinatal mood disorders, showing the urgent need for accessible mental health care.
75% of women with maternal mental health disorders are left untreated, highlighting a significant gap in our healthcare system.
Mamaya Health leverages virtual therapy to make specialized maternal mental health care accessible to all mothers.
Take Action
Engage: Share your stories, your struggles, and your triumphs. Let's break the silence together.
Act: Whether it's seeking help, offering support, or spreading the word, every action counts.
Connect: Visit Mamaya Health to learn more about our services and how you can be part of this vital mission.
Therapy: Schedule a session with a maternal mental health therapist today at Mamaya Health.
Women’s stories through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum confirm the urgent need for changes in maternal mental health care. Together, we can ensure that every mother receives the support she needs not just to survive, but thrive.