Shining a Light on Maternal Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms, and Support for Postpartum Depression

During the annual observance of National Women’s Health Week (NWHW), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH) hosted a webinar titled, “Shining a Light on Maternal Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms, and Support for Postpartum Depression”.

Watch the replay of the NWHW Webinar

The Office on Women’s Health was honored to have Dorothy Fink, M.D., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health and Director of the Office on Women's Health, provide opening remarks at the event and welcome participants to this important discussion.

This event focused on frequently asked questions about maternal mental health with experts and women with lived experience. Panelists discussed the various signs and symptoms of PPD, the disparities that exist in maternal mental health care for underserved and underrepresented communities, the importance of support from loved ones, and resources to help women and families who may be looking for support. Presenters included:

• Andrea Clark Horton, J.D., M.Div. – Director, Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, Postpartum Support International
• Dr. Emily Miller – Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Women & Infants Hospital
• Allison Livingston – Mother with Lived Experience; Co-facilitator, Perinatal OCD Group for Parents, Postpartum Support International
• Dr. Laura J. Miller – Medical Director of Reproductive Mental Health in the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention at the Veterans Health Administration; Professor of Psychiatry at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine
• Dr. Dana Delman Meaney (Moderator) – Medical Officer, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Helpful Resources

• Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for 24/7 free access to professional counselors for women and families seeking support.
• If you are in mental health distress or have a suicidal crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free and confidential support.
• Explore the Talking Postpartum Depression campaign for PPD resources, information, and testimonials from women with lived experience.
• Call or text “Help” to the Postpartum Support International helpline at 1-800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net for information, resources, and support groups for women, partners, and supporters.