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 pregnant people experience clinically significant anxiety or depression symptoms during or after pregnancy

Between 5% and 14% of pregnant and postpartum people have thoughts or intentions of self-harm, or suicidal ideation

Suicide among pregnant or recently pregnant people can sometimes be prevented when someone intervenes

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

Call 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS. The National 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 Materials

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

Maternal Mental Health Fact Sheet

Download in English (PDF) or Spanish (PDF)

Maternal Suicide Prevention Fact Sheet

Download in English and more languages.

Coloring Sheets Stress Relief

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

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

Download English (PDF)

To use corresponding graphics, click on photo to enlarge the image, then right click and "save as". You will now be able to upload this higher resolution image to your social media site.

Arabic

Chinese (Simplified)

Chinese (Traditional)

English

Farsi

Korean

Spanish

Tagalog

Vietnamese

Video Library

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

Spanish Version (YouTube, 2 min)

In her words: Essence of the Mother of Mental Health (YouTube)

Maternal Mental Health Resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 : (800) 273-8255 (English and Spanish)
Postpartum Support International (PSI) Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
PSI free online support meetings led by a trained facilitator. For days and times please visit PSI Online Support Meetings .
Free psychiatric consult line: Your medical provider can call (877) 499-4773 and speak with a reproductive psychiatrist to learn about medications commonly used in the perinatal time period. For more detailed information please visit Perinatal Psychiatric Consult Line .
Mental Health America's free mental health screening tool : Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
Every Woman California offers information and resources to improve mental health.

Maternal-Mental-Health

Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division

Maternal Mental Health