Neither flowers nor hugs: what nobody tells you about maternal mental health in May
Maternal mental health is an urgent issue that deserves more attention than just a single day of tribute. Prevention can save lives.
May is often filled with flowers, breakfasts in bed, and heartfelt words dedicated to mothers. But beyond love and gratitude, this month should also be an opportunity to center an invisible and urgent issue: maternal mental health.
Talking about the emotional well-being of mothers —without filters, taboos, or idealizations— is essential to recognize the psychological, physical, and social challenges that many women face during pregnancy, postpartum, and in the daily routine of parenting.
This is a little-recognized reality, but increasingly urgent. And the data confirms it: postpartum depression is one of the most common complications after childbirth and the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that depression is already the second leading cause of disability in the world.
Why talking about maternal mental health cannot wait
Becoming a mother is not just a physical experience: it is also a profound emotional transformation. From gestation to the baby's first year, many women go through a rollercoaster of emotions that can range from excitement to anguish, including guilt, anxiety, or exhaustion.
According to psychiatrist Leena Mittal, head of the Women's Mental Health Division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, it is not just about postpartum depression: the perinatal period —which spans from pregnancy to the 12 months following childbirth— can include a variety of mood and anxiety disorders.
Talking about this is not exposing weaknesses: it is breaking the silence that many mothers face in solitude.
Differentiating between baby blues and postpartum depression
Baby blues is a common condition that affects about 80% of those who have just given birth. It presents as a mild emotional imbalance: easy crying, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, or extreme sensitivity. It usually begins between the second and third day after childbirth and disappears within one or two weeks without the need for clinical treatment.
In contrast, postpartum depression (PPD) is more persistent and severe. It can appear at any time within the baby's first year and significantly affect the mother's daily life.
Common symptoms of postpartum depression
Recognizing PPD can be difficult, especially because many women feel they should not "complain" at a time that is supposed to be happy. Therefore, the close environment is key to detecting signs that often go unnoticed by the mother herself.
The most common symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue and lack of energy
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or intense anxiety
- Problems sleeping or eating, even when the baby allows it
- Constant guilt or feelings of worthlessness
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Emotional distancing from friends, partner, or family
- Little or no emotional bond with the baby
- Thoughts of harming herself or the baby
These signs should not be ignored or minimized. Postpartum depression does not resolve on its own and can seriously impact the physical, emotional, and mental health of both the mother and the baby.
Risk factors for postpartum depression
Although PPD can affect any woman, there are factors that increase the risk of experiencing it. Some of the most common are:
- Personal or family history of depression or anxiety
- Intense emotional symptoms during pregnancy or in previous menstrual cycles
- Acute stress situations, such as financial difficulties or relationship problems
- Complicated births or health issues in the newborn
- Lack of social support and isolation
Knowing these factors helps to anticipate and provide preventive support before the situation worsens.
Treatment and support options
The good news is that PPD can be effectively treated if detected early. Recommended strategies include:
- Psychotherapy: individual or group professional support helps process emotions and design tools to regain balance.
- Medication: there are antidepressants compatible with breastfeeding, under medical supervision.
- Support networks: support from partners, friends, family, or groups of other mothers makes a significant difference.
- Comprehensive support: in many cases, the most effective approach is a combination of treatments, tailored to each woman according to her needs.
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary: it is a conscious decision to care for one's own health and that of the close environment.
The importance of listening without judgment
A mother going through postpartum depression does not need advice like “you should be happy” or “it will pass”. She needs to be heard, validated, and supported. The first step to improving maternal mental health is creating a judgment-free environment, where emotions are not censored or ridiculed.
Beyond May: care must be year-round
While May is the month when the tribute to mothers becomes more visible, emotional well-being cannot be limited to a date on the calendar. Caring for those who care is a collective responsibility: families, health systems, media, and public policies must actively commit to maternal mental health.
An emotionally supported mother not only feels better: she also raises more secure children and integrates better into her social and professional environment. Investing in her well-being is investing in the well-being of society as a whole.