1️⃣ In the US, 1 in 5 mothers suffer from mood and anxiety disorders during or after pregnancy.​2️⃣The main cause of maternal deaths is suicide or overdose.​3️⃣Many mothers find it hard to access help.

Surviving The Silent Storm: A Deep Dive Into Postpartum Depression

1️⃣Many new moms feel overwhelmed, tired, and anxious postpartum, but believe it to be normal.​2️⃣It becomes apparent only when extreme symptoms occur that the issue might be more serious.

The Silent Struggle 😔

1️⃣Recollecting the birthing experiences of mothers named Jackie and Patience.​2️⃣Both had challenging labor and delivery experiences.​3️⃣Their health postpartum was a concern.

Experiences of Mothers 🤱 2023 Maternal Mental Health Issues ⚕️

1️⃣1 in 3 black or brown women experience postpartum depression and anxiety.​2️⃣Black women are twice as likely as white women to experience these issues due to healthcare discrimination.

Postpartum Depression in Black and Brown Women 🤰🏾

1️⃣There are still challenges in accessing quality healthcare for postpartum mental health.​2️⃣Many mothers are still struggling to receive the help they need.

The Struggle Continues 💔

1️⃣Maternal mental health is a crucial aspect of health care that needs more attention.​2️⃣Highlighting the severity of postpartum mental health conditions can help reduce their prevalence and impact.

The Importance of Maternal Mental Health 🎗️

1️⃣ The U.S. finds itself as an outlier with high rates of maternal mortality. 2️⃣ There's a call for an integrated healthcare system focusing on mothers' mental health.

Restructuring the Healthcare System 🏪

1️⃣Follows the journey of Jackie, a new mother who suffered severe postpartum depression.​2️⃣Her struggles with symptoms, seeking treatment, and the lack of immediate help available.

Jackie's Story 📖

1️⃣Introduction of FDA approved drugs for postpartum depression, one of them a pill. 2️⃣These drugs show promise in relieving symptoms quickly and efficiently.

Medical Improvements 💊

1️⃣ A turning point for Jackie was getting access to specialized maternal mental health center. 2️⃣ Demonstrates the need for specific interventions for postpartum mental illnesses.

Critical Intervention Points 🏥

1️⃣ Barriers to access, like long waiting times to see a mental health professional, exacerbate maternal mental health crises.2️⃣ Must prioritize increasing access to mental healthcare services.

Access to Mental Healthcare 🚑

1️⃣ Uncommon symptoms, like anger in Patience’s case, often go unrecognized as signs of underlying issues.2️⃣ There's a need for better education about the wide spectrum of postpartum symptoms.

Unacknowledged Symptoms 😶

1️⃣ Lack of representation in healthcare professionals further isolates black and brown women.2️⃣ Need for increased representation in the healthcare workforce to improve trust and communication.

Representation Matters 💼

1️⃣Mothers often don't get the medical attention they require, despite attempting to seek help.​2️⃣Lack of mental healthcare access exacerbates their condition.

Seeking Help

1️⃣Patience, a mental health therapist and mother, offers insight into the perinatal mental health spectrum.​2️⃣She mentions the need for comprehensive treatments including therapy, medication, and community.

Patience's Insight 🧐

1️⃣ Many mothers, like Jackie and Patience, initially did not realize they needed help.2️⃣ Need for more awareness about severity and symptoms of maternal mental health disorders.

Realizing the Crisis 🚨

1️⃣ The critical role of community support in helping mothers, like in Patience's case.2️⃣ Highlights the need for systemic support structures for new mothers.

Community Support 🤝

1️⃣ The FDA approval of the first pill for postpartum depression is a crucial step.2️⃣ Further innovative solutions needed to address maternal mental health crisis

Future Improvements 💡

Hidden Epidemic of Maternal Mental Health - Discover a world silently ravished beneath the tenderness of motherhood. Dive into searing stories and audacious revelations. Unlock vital clues to revolutionizing Postpartum Mental Health. Will you dare to defy the norm?"

In the U.S., one in five mothers suffers from mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy or after birth. But many of them struggle to find help. Last year, the CDC reported that the leading cause of maternal deaths in the country are suicide or drug overdose. We spoke with two mothers about their experience postpartum and to reporter Anna Mutoh about the FDA’s approval of a new drug to fight postpartum depression. Further Reading: - The Tragedy of Being a New Mom in America - First Pill for Postpartum Depression Is Approved by FDA - U.S. Maternal Mortality Hits Highest Level Since 1965

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