Mississippi Department of Mental Health Recognizes Maternal Health Awareness Day

Highlighting Maternal Mental Health and Postpartum Depression

 

January 23 marks Maternal Health Awareness Day, and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) is supporting the cause by drawing attention to the importance of maternal mental health, including postpartum depression (PPD) — a serious but treatable condition that affects many Mississippi families.

 

In Mississippi, the rate of self-reported postpartum depressive symptoms is significantly higher than the national average. Recent data from Mississippians for Maternal Health Care shows that approximately 21–23.5% of Mississippi mothers experience symptoms of postpartum depression following childbirth… well above many other states and the national average of about 13%.

 

“These numbers reflect a real and pressing need in our state,” expresses Wendy Bailey, Executive Director of DMH. “Maternal mental health conditions can affect anyone, and when left unaddressed, they have serious consequences for parents, infants and families. By increasing awareness, improving screening and access to care, we can better support mothers across Mississippi.”

 

Mississippi also faces substantial challenges in mental health care access. An estimated 51% of Mississippi mothers live in areas without a single practicing psychiatrist or psychologist, and a portion of women do not receive adequate maternal health care because of the lack of providers across our state counties. These gaps underscore the need for early identification, expanded behavioral health services and community-based support.

 

DMH encourages families, providers and communities to recognize warning signs as early as possible — including persistent sadness, anxiety, difficulty bonding with the baby or withdrawal from usual activities. Timely support can lead to better outcomes for both parents and children.

 

For anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, Mississippi residents can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 for free and confidential support. In addition, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-943-5746 offers specialized assistance for perinatal and postpartum mental health concerns.

 

For more information about mental health resources in Mississippi, visit www.dmh.ms.gov, or contact the DMH Helpline by calling 1-877-210-8513. You can also visit www.mentalhealthms.com or download the Mental Health Mississippi app to find providers near you.