As public health continues to support positive health outcomes for parents, babies, and families, it has become clear that there is a role for public health in prevention, screening, and supporting parents struggling with mental health concerns. Your support and validation are very powerful and can make a difference in whether your client will seek help and care for themselves.

For a general discussion of public health and mental health, visit Mental Health Promotion.

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Prevention and Promotion

For free postpartum prevention and promotion materials, explore the following list:

Depression or Anxiety During and After Pregnancy brochure and Wellbeing Plan.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Minnesota (PPS-MN) postcards: Free postcards available to individual professionals, hospitals, and community organizations.
HRSA National Maternal Mental Health Hotline promotional materials: Materials include printable wallet cards, newsletter text, social media posts.
CDC – HEAR HER Campaign: Hear Her Campaign materials such as posters (available in multiple languages) and other campaign materials are available for healthcare professionals.
March of Dimes: English and Spanish health action sheets on postpartum depression.
NIH Mom’s Mental Health Matters: Materials include a video and print materials such as posters, postcards, are also available in English and Spanish.
CUES Intervention: an evidence-based and trauma informed intervention for addressing domestic violence in health settings.
Violence Free Minnesota: provides a list of domestic violence resources and hotlines.

Screening

Public health programs which interact with pregnant or postpartum parents should consider ways to implement universal mental health screening efforts that are specific to perinatal mental health. When a parent is struggling with mental health concerns, their child(ren) may be negatively affected. If possible, follow a positive screen for a parent with an increase of social-emotional screening for the child(ren).

For additional information about perinatal mental health screening, visit PMAD Information for Health Professionals.

Support

Many parents struggling with pregnancy or postpartum depression and anxiety may need to be treated through therapy and possibly medication. All struggling parents may also benefit from public health programs like Family Home Visiting.

Below are a few tips on how to support your clients who may be experiencing perinatal depression or anxiety.

Listen and validate that what they are feeling is real, is not their fault, and they are not alone (at least 1 in 5 women and birthing persons will experience depression after childbirth). Let them know that help is available, and that they will feel better in time.
Educate them about depression verbally and leave brochures or handouts about depression.
Encourage follow up care:
- Primary care provider (Obstetrician, Family Physician, Nurse Midwife, etc.) to rule out other medical conditions (i.e. thyroid, anemia, which can present similarly to depression), or for treatment of depression if that is indicated.
- Inform them of mental health professionals in the area and provide contact information to perinatal mental health support resources.
- Assist clients with making appointments and securing transportation if this is needed.
Assess level of social support. Who can they rely on for childcare? Who can they talk to? Social support may include their partner, family, friends, neighbors, faith community, childcare providers, etc.
Offer a list of other community resources for support such as local faith leaders, faith community, parent groups such as Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), neighbors, friends, volunteer groups, local support groups, etc.
Educate on the importance of self-care for physical and mental wellness including:
- Good balanced nutrition.
  - Access to healthy foods and water intake.
- Limit caffeine.
- Avoid mood altering drugs.
- Adequate sleep.
  - Recommending sleep shifts and reviewing sleep hygiene.
- Adequate exercise.
  - Identifying ways to get movement.
- Take time away for relaxation and enjoyable activities
  - Identifying what they find relaxing or enjoyable.
Inform of emergency resources in the area, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (previously the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), and the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline 1-833-9-HELPMOMS, if depression symptoms worsen or thoughts of self-harm or harm of others develop.

Resources

Video Training for Community Health Workers on Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety