In honor of International Women's Day, UPMC is focusing on the importance of maternal mental health, shedding light on an often overlooked issue that affects women during various stages of their lives. Conditions like infertility, postpartum depression, pregnancy, and perimenopause can lead to significant behavioral changes in women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in eight women experience postpartum depression, but shockingly, 50% of these cases go untreated. Identifying the signs of maternal mental health issues is crucial for early intervention. These signs include isolation, depression, changes in appetite, brain fog, and trouble sleeping.

Dr. David Silver, a gynecologic psychiatrist at UPMC, has emphasized the need for more resources to support women facing maternal mental health challenges. He highlights the shortage of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and therapists, which mirrors the larger personnel shortages in various aspects of medicine. Despite some progress in raising awareness in the past decade, Dr. Silver believes that there is still a long way to go in terms of creating sufficient awareness about maternal mental health.

The CDC has also highlighted the significantly high mortality rates among minority women. Dr. Silver acknowledges the scarcity of resources specifically directed towards minority women but assures that UPMC is actively working towards increasing accessibility to these resources. He stresses that there is a disparity in outcomes for minorities, and it is essential to address this population with specialized programs and support.

In an effort to provide assistance, several resources are available to those facing maternal mental health challenges. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, reachable at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), provides a helpline for support. Additionally, the websites of organizations like Postpartum Support International, Moms' Mental Health Matters, and the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health offer valuable information and resources.

As International Women's Day encourages reflection on women's rights and well-being, UPMC's focus on raising awareness about maternal mental health aims to bridge the gaps in healthcare and ensure that women receive the support they need. Through increased resources and improved accessibility, women, especially minority women, can benefit from comprehensive mental health services during and after significant life events.