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Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division

Maternal Mental Health​

​Women enjoying outdoor scenery​

MCAH believes all mothers, parents, babies, and families deserve to live their best lives. However, many pregnant people and new parents experience mental health challenges. Mental health support is an important part of dealing with life challenges and taking care of yourself. An emotionally healthy parent can have a stronger relationship with their baby, which supports healthy child development and family bonds.

It is common to experience mental and emotional health struggles as a new parent.​​

 
 

1 in 3 preg​nant people experience clinically significant anxiety or de​pression symptoms during or after pregnancy
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​​Betwee​n 5% and 14% of pregnant and postpartum people have thoughts or intentions of self-harm, or suic​idal ideation
 
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Suicide among pregnant or recently pregnant people can sometimes be prevented when someo​ne intervenes​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​MCAH wants everyone to know that there is no shame in seeking he​​lp, and most people experience full recovery when they get treatment. Here's what do if you need help:

  • Call 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS. The Natio​​nal Maternal Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy.

  • Call or text "HELP" to 800-944-4773. The ​​​Postpartum Support International Hotline provides information, encouragement, and names of resources near you.

  • Ask for help. Don'​​t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends, whether it's caring for the baby or doing household chores.

Printed M​aterials

Download and provide these materials to mothers, parents, and families in your community​​​.

​Preview of Maternal Mental Health Fact Sheet 

Ma​​te​rnal Me​ntal Health Fact Sheet

Download in English (PDF) or Spanish (PDF)

​Preview of Maternal Suicide Prevention Fact​ Sheet  

Mat​​ernal Suicide Prevention Fact​ Sheet 

Download in English and more languages.

Preview of Coloring Sheets Stress Relief 

Color​i​n​g Sheet​s Stress Relief

Download in English (PDF, 1.6MB) or
Spanish (PDF, 3.5MB)​

Preview of Data Brief Maternal and Child Health Assessment: Symptoms of depression during and after pregnancy 

Data Brief Maternal and Child Health Assessment: Sym​​ptoms ​of depression during and after pregnancy

Download English (PDF)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Social Media Library

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Languages available

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​​Video L​​i​brar​​​​​y

​Share these videos on your website and in social media posts.​​​

​​​Mate​rnal Mental Healt​h Resources

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