Maternal Mental Health

If you think you might have postpartum depression or another perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, or if you simply don't feel like yourself, know that you're not alone and help is available.

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a free, 24/7 hotline with real-time, confidential support. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) to speak to a professional counselor.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 or visit the confidential National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website right away.

The What to Expect Postpartum Depression group is another great resource for moms seeking support.

This depression screening test, which is based off of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), may help you determine whether you’re experiencing symptoms of PPD. The test is free and your results are confidential. This is not an official diagnosis, and regardless of your score, you should call your health care provider if something doesn’t seem right.

If you suspect you have postpartum depression or another perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, you might be wondering exactly how to ask for — and get — the help you need. These tips can help you navigate your search for a therapist.

There are a variety of conditions that can develop during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Some, like the "baby blues" and postpartum depression, are well known, but there are other mood and anxiety disorders that new parents may not be as familiar with.

If you have a mental health condition or simply don't feel like yourself, know that you're not alone: Here, real moms and dads open up about some of the challenges they've faced as new or expecting parents.