Mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting 1 in 5 pregnant and postpartum women every year. But, of those who experience mental health issues during or after pregnancy, less than 15 percent receive treatment.
In honor of World Maternal Mental Health Day on May 7, we sat down with Rose Hitchings, PsyD, an integrative behavioral health psychologist at Cheshire Medical Center, to draw attention to the issue.
Why is it common for pregnant or postpartum women to experience mental health issues?
There are several reasons why this occurs, according to Hitchings.
Pregnancy and postpartum bring on huge hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and major life adjustments. These factors can increase someone’s vulnerability to depression, anxiety and other mental health struggles, Hitchings explained.
Experiencing mental health issues during this time is even more common for those living in rural areas, like most of New Hampshire, she added.
“In rural New Hampshire, long distances from family, friends and healthcare can leave new parents feeling isolated and unsupported,” Hitchings said. “Rural communities also often experience higher rates of poverty, underemployment and lack of affordable childcare, all of which increase stress during the vulnerable postpartum period.”
Why might pregnant and postpartum women not seek help for their mental health issues?
There is a lot of stigma surrounding mental health struggles, especially for mothers, according to Hitchings. Many birthing people, she noted, worry they’ll be judged as bad parents if they admit they are struggling.
These feelings are often exacerbated in rural areas like New Hampshire.
“There’s a strong value placed on self-reliance and ‘toughing it out,’ which can make individuals less likely to admit they’re struggling,” she said.
Mental health resources are also scarcer in rural communities, making it more difficult for those willing to seek help to receive it.
What mental health supports does Cheshire provide for pregnant or new parents?
At Cheshire, we believe in acting early because early intervention can change everything. Cheshire offers immediate support from the OG/GYN office, including therapy, support groups and, when appropriate, medications.
“Every prenatal and birth patient, as well as birthing people seen in pediatric visits up to their child’s first birthday, receives routine mental health screening,” Hitchings said. “If a screening indicates a concern, we provide immediate behavioral health consultation, including a full health assessment, brief intervention and referrals for psychiatry or long-term care when needed.”
How can people in a pregnant or postpartum woman’s life support her through mental health issues?
Support from loved ones is one of the biggest protective factors for maternal mental health. Some ways people can help, according to Hitchings, include:
- Listening without judgment: Sometimes, just being there to listen, without rushing to fix things, can be a huge relief for pregnant or postpartum people.
- Offer practical help: Lend a helping hand by dropping off meals, helping with childcare, or even just sitting with the baby so the parent can take a nap or shower.
- Normalize seeking help: Encourage the parent to seek professional support if needed and reassure her that asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure.
- Promote connection: Isolation can worsen mental health issues, so helping new parents stay connected can be powerful.
- Watch for warning signs: Loved ones can help by noticing if a new parent seems consistently overwhelmed, withdrawn or unlike herself, and gently encouraging talking with a healthcare provider.