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Babies require a lot of care, so it’s normal for mothers to be worried about, or tired from, providing that care. However, with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) — a condition that affects between 15-20% of women during and up to one year after pregnancy — feelings of sadness and anxiety can be extreme and might interfere with a woman’s ability to care for herself or her family.
While mood changes are common during and after pregnancy, PMADs involve intense and persistent emotions that can disrupt daily life. The “baby blues,” as described by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), affect up to 80% of mothers and include feelings that are somewhat mild, last a week or two, and go away on their own. It is important to know when a new mother’s experience is more than the “baby blues” and requires further assessment and treatment. Often, family members may be the first to notice something is not quite right with a new parent.
This summer, join the Mental Health Association of Maryland on our Resiliency Road Trip, where we’ll offer an adapted Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for those who serve and support individuals during the perinatal period – pregnant and parenting people, their families, birth workers, healthcare providers, and community members.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based, internationally recognized training that equips participants to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. This interactive training will include specialized scenarios, guided discussions, and perinatal-specific resources to ground the learning in real-world relevance.
Our road trip will take us to three locations across Maryland for a free in-person, full day of programming in Caroline County, Alleghany County, and Baltimore County:
•Caroline County: Monday, August 11th, 9AM-5PM, Wharves of Choptank J.O.K Walsh Visitor & Heritage Center, Denton, MD
•Alleghany County: Monday, August 18th, 9AM-5PM, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD
•Baltimore County: Wednesday, September 10th, 9AM-5PM, MHAMD Offices, Lutherville, MD
Join us for a free session to enhance your ability to support and nurture the wellbeing of perinatal members of your community. Visit mhamd.org/events to register.
If you or a loved one suspect a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, it is important for to seek help. For 24/7, free, confidential support, resources, and referrals to any pregnant and postpartum mothers facing mental health challenges and their loved ones call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) to connect with counselors at the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
