The Urgency of Black Maternal Mental Health
The maternal health crisis among Black women is an urgent public health issue. Below are some staggering statistics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as presented by on the March of Dimes Maternal Mental Health Week page:
Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, suicide, and substance abuse disorders, are the leading cause of maternal mortality.
Perinatal mood disorders rank among the most common complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Nearly 40% of Black women experience maternal mental health symptoms, which is almost double the rate for all women, with up to half of these women not receiving any support or treatment.
Women of color are disproportionately impacted by postpartum depression, with over 50% of these cases going unreported.
Here’s How to Get Involved:
There are several ways individuals and organizations can participate and support Black Maternal Health Week. Here are three easy ways each can get involved now:
Pregnant people and families can:
Learn about the signs of depression, postpartum depression, and other mental health conditions, and plan how to contact a mental health professional if needed. This includes researching available community resources and finding mental health professionals who are a good cultural fit. Additionally, use this resource to guide conversations with providers about health concerns.
Discuss stressors or mental health symptoms with a close friend who can offer support. Stigma is a significant barrier to seeking mental health services among African Americans, so opening up to a friend may encourage them to do the same.
Bookmark the National Suicide Prevention Hotline and remember that 988 provides free and confidential emotional support to people in crisis or distress 24/7 across the United States. You can call, text, or chat via the website. In case of an emergency, call 911.
Organizations can:
Educate families on the mental health signs and symptoms of depression, postpartum depression, and other conditions. Discuss what seeking help might look like for families, considering specific cultural beliefs, values, and historical context regarding mental health, etc.
Assist families in breaking down barriers to services, such as transportation, childcare, and accessible locations. Connect them to appropriate community resources.
Work to eliminate unconscious bias on an ongoing basis to achieve equitable healthcare outcomes. For instance, organizations might host workshops that educate their providers about health disparities among Black women, resulting in more compassionate care. These efforts not only improve mental health outcomes for Black women but also contribute to the broader goal of eliminating health disparities for all.
Black Maternal Health Week is more than just a time to highlight disparities; it is a movement to ensure that every Black woman receives respectful, dignified, and equitable care before, during, and after childbirth. Through education and by building supportive communities, we can work towards a future where Black maternal mental health is prioritized and protected.
Together, we can make a difference. Join the conversation and support Black Maternal Mental Health Week from July 19th to the 25th.