Urge Congress to ensure that moms have access to the mental health
resources they need!
[ [link removed] ]Take Action Now
[ [link removed] ]SIGN NOW

Dear Friend,

“I had several instances of being paralyzed with anxiety and having to
abandon my plan of going somewhere. I wasn’t sleeping, up off and on all
night with my son, profoundly sad, crying most nights, and still anxious
but pushing on and showing up for my [work] team and my family, sucking
it up, smiling through it all. I was burning the candle at both ends.”

Lauren from Illinois shared her struggles after the birth of her son.
Lauren is not alone. Up to 1 in 5 women suffer from maternal mental health
disorders like depression or anxiety in the U.S. and research shows that
this number has more than doubled during the pandemic. [ [link removed] ] In fact
maternal mental health disorders are the most common complication of
pregnancy and childbirth, yet 75% of those experiencing these illnesses
remain untreated..

Champions of mental health and maternal health have been working hard to
pass groundbreaking legislation to give moms like Lauren the resources and
support they need. Led by the national organization [1]Shades of Blue
Project, service providers, advocates, parent groups, and researchers have
joined forces to make sure that the 800,000 American mothers who
experience maternal mental health disorders and substance use disorders
each year have access to the support they need. [ [link removed] ]

[2]Click here and add your name to our letter calling on Congress to
support critical funding for maternal mental health.

We’ve heard from so many moms like Lauren who have struggled with anxiety,
depression and substance use disorder. Increased demand and barriers to
mental health care because of the pandemic mean even fewer moms have been
able to receive treatment. This is particularly concerning for moms of
color who have faced a disproportionate impact of COVID-19 and who
experience maternal mental health disorders at rates 2-3 times higher than
white women. [ [link removed] ][ [link removed] ]

The good news - Right now, several pieces of legislation are pending
before Congress that will ensure that mothers get the mental health
support they need. The Into the Light for Maternal Mental Health and
Substance Use Disorders Act provides essential funding for maternal mental
health programs including a dedicated hotline providing 24/7 voice and
text support in English and Spanish. The TRIUMPH for New Moms Act will
help improve coordination around maternal mental health efforts including
the establishment of a national task force to streamline existing
programs. The Moms Matter Act will invest in prevention, intervention, and
treatment as well as help grow and diversify the maternal mental health
workforce.

[3]Click here and add your name now to our letter urging Congress to
ensure that all moms have access to the mental health resources they need.

Let’s be clear: maternal mental health disorders are the most common
complication of childbearing, but stigma, fear, and lack of information
mean we don’t talk about it as much as we should. In fact, 1 in 5 women
report NOT being screened for maternal depression despite universal
screening being recommended. [ [link removed] ] Historical inequities, implicit bias,
lack of culturally congruent care, and lack of access to providers means
that women of color face even higher barriers to obtaining treatment.[ [link removed] ]

We can and we must do better for mothers, babies, and those who love and
care for them. Congress is setting its funding priorities for the year and
must increase support for maternal mental health. Now is the time. We must
prioritize the health and well-being of mothers and babies by increasing
funding for maternal mental health.

[4]Add your name now so I can make sure your voice is heard too, and be
sure to share the link below with your friends and family so they can also
take action.

Together we can ensure healthy outcomes for moms, babies, families and our
communities.

-- Tina, Monifa, Kristin, and the whole MomsRising.org/MamásConPoder Team

P.S. Did you recently give birth? Please [5]share your postpartum
experience with us!

[1] [6]California’s Strategic Plan: A catalyst for shifting statewide
systems to improve care across California and beyond

[2] [ [link removed] ]Pathways To Equitable And Antiracist Maternal Mental Health Care:
Insights From Black Women Stakeholders | Health Affairs Journal

[3] [ [link removed] ]COVID-19 disrupting mental health services in most countries, who
survey

[4] [ [link removed] ]The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Women of Color, Research
in Women’s Health

[5] [ [link removed] ]Racial and Ethnic Differences in Factors Associated With Early
Postpartum Depressive Symptoms. Obstet Gynecol

[6] [ [link removed] ]Advancing Racial Equity in Maternal Mental Health Policy, CLASP

 


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