Portland, OR — As the nation observes National Maternal Mental Health Month this May, along with World Maternal Mental Health Day on May 7 and Mother’s Day on May 11, Postpartum Support International (PSI) is calling attention to the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by new parents. The organization is urging greater awareness of perinatal mental health (PMH) disorders and reminding families that conditions like postpartum depression are both common and treatable.
According to PSI, one in five mothers and one in seven fathers experience depression or anxiety during or after pregnancy. Despite this, only about a quarter of those affected receive treatment. PMH disorders remain the most common complications of childbirth and are among the top underlying causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States.
While postpartum depression is widely recognized, other PMH disorders include anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and postpartum psychosis. Many parents struggle in silence, unaware that what they are experiencing is a medical condition rather than a personal failing. The emotional toll can leave mothers feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and uncertain of their ability to care for their children.
“After my son was born in 1994, I suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety, and even as a mental health professional, I didn’t recognize my own condition,” said Wendy Davis, Ph.D., PMH-C, President and CEO of PSI. “This May, please check in on the new moms in your life and ask them how they’re really doing. There are many ways to help, including directing them to Postpartum.net for support.”
To raise visibility, PSI encourages the public to wear a blue dot pin or sticker—a symbol of solidarity with those navigating PMH disorders. The Blue Dot Project, an initiative within PSI, aims to reduce stigma and connect families to vital resources.
Support and treatment for PMH disorders are accessible and effective, and PSI emphasizes that a formal diagnosis is not needed to get help. The organization offers free virtual support groups, an online provider directory, and a no-cost psychiatric consultation line for medical professionals. PSI also operates a multilingual helpline (1-800-944-4773) and a mobile app, “Connect by PSI,” which offers easy access to mental health resources in English and Spanish.
Throughout the month, PSI is urging communities to support mothers in meaningful ways—from offering encouragement and a listening ear to helping with daily tasks and recognizing that PMH disorders are not a sign of weakness, but a medical condition that deserves care and compassion.
