5 Ways to Support the Mental Health of Moms in Your Community
Mothers in the United States are struggling with their mental health. Research shows that as many as 1 in 5 moms experience a mental health condition during pregnancy and postpartum (source 1, source 2). Mental health conditions can be life-threatening, with new CDC data showing that they continue to be the leading cause of death for new moms as they result in suicide and substance use overdose.
What is happening to moms in our country is unacceptable. Moms deserve better, and while this maternal mental health crisis is complex and difficult to address, there are things that each of us can do to support mothers and help them feel less alone.
Below are five ways you can support the mental health of mothers in your community.
1. Share The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 voice, text, and chat resources and support provided by trained professionals to mothers and families. Services are offered in English and Spanish, and translation is available in 60 other languages.
Share the Hotline by:
Saving the number in your phone: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Ordering free print materials like fridge magnets, posters, and wallet cards
Sharing with your community at coffee shops, nail and hair salons, mommy and me groups, library storytime, faith communities, etc.
2. Share your story.
Have you suffered from a maternal mental health condition? Consider sharing your personal story. You could share with your family and friends, on social media, or with a local news outlet.
Sharing your story will help raise awareness about maternal mental health and could spotlight resources for support like the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. You can also supplement your story with additional facts and statistics about maternal mental health.
At the end of your story, you can ask readers to share the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, contact their elected officials about a specific piece of legislation that would support mothers, or donate to a nonprofit that helps mothers.
Sometimes we think that sharing our individual experience is not enough to have an impact, but your story matters, and it could be the first time someone feels seen and learns where to get help.
3. Get involved with local policy advocacy.
One of the many reasons moms are struggling in the U.S. is the lack of social programs and the low quality of maternal healthcare.
To help address these issues, several organizations are working to pass policies that improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare and social programs, such as paid family and medical leave and childcare. Getting involved with these organizations at the local level can help pass policies in your state that will improve health and well-being during pregnancy and postpartum.
To get involved, check out the following organizations that are doing great work in this area: Chamber of Mothers, MomsRising, and Postpartum Support International’s U.S. Chapters.
4. Volunteer at Postpartum Support International.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) is the leading organization supporting parents experiencing mental health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum. PSI offers various volunteer opportunities, including facilitating online support groups, becoming a support coordinator, serving as a helpline volunteer, or being a peer mentor.
Learn more about PSI’s volunteer opportunities. Your involvement could help a mom and her family get through a difficult time in her life.
5. Do one small thing for a mom you know.
California’s “One Small Thing” campaign encourages Californians to support new mothers after having a baby through simple, everyday acts of care. Doing one small act of kindness — folding a load of laundry, cooking a meal, providing childcare, running an errand, holding the baby so mom can take a shower — can lighten the load of daily responsibilities that mothers carry and let them know that they are seen, supported, and appreciated.
Mothers are the foundation of our families, our communities, and our country. They should not be left alone to navigate one of the most challenging and demanding times of their lives. Helping a new mom by doing one small thing can give her the support, care, and connection she needs and deserves.
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