The month of May is important to mental health. Not only is it Mental Health Awareness Month, but it is also Maternal Mental Health Month and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Awareness Month in the State of Michigan. "Perinatal" means "relating to the time, usually a number of weeks, immediately before and after birth."
Research shows that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) affect as many as 1 in 5 new mothers. PMADs are costly, frequently go undetected and undertreated, and are associated with poor outcomes and long-term consequences for the mother, infant, and their families.
In honor of Maternal Mental Health Month Dr. Kara Zivin’s Perinatal Mental Health Services and Policy Program would like to share the following infographic to raise awareness and share some important findings and recommendations: