Although postpartum depression does not discriminate and can hit any new mother, recent attention has been drawn to the lack of adequate care and support for women of color who struggle with PPD. Because of socio-economic conditions, bias in health care availability, and the stigma in reaching out for mental health support, women of color with PPD are less likely to receive the help they need.
Endemic bias and social issues
In 2020, 10.4% of Black adults in the United States had no health insurance. In addition, mental health counseling is not always covered by insurance and can be financially out of reach for many Blacks and Hispanics. Hospitals in Black and Hispanic communities are often insufficiently equipped to provide the level of care that predominantly white or Asian communities have. In addition, housing insecurity and poor nutrition from food scarcity or unhealthy food options further undermine physical and mental health, leading to serious consequences.
Black mothers are four times more likely to die in childbirth. They are 80% more likely to return to the ER during the postpartum period. And women of color are statistically more likely to have their children taken away from them by child welfare if they are deemed medically unfit to care for them. This is a powerful incentive for mothers to avoid reaching out for help when they struggle with PPD.
Recognize the Signs
PPD is sometimes confused with “baby blues” because it is fairly common, and it usually eases over time. However, it is very important not to ignore this condition if it continues past two to four weeks postpartum. Your mental health matters, for your own sake as well as your child’s. If you have any of the following symptoms and they go on for a month or more, you may have PPD:
- Excessive or severe mood swings, anger, sadness
- Feelings of worthlessness or failure
- Inability to bond with your baby
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities you love
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Excessive sleepiness or an inability to sleep that cannot be attributed to childcare
- Overwhelming fatigue or lethargy
- Inability to think clearly or as well as before
- Fear and doubt of your abilities as a mother
What is being done to help women of color?
New York State is beginning a study of the impact PPD has on vulnerable communities. State Senator Samra Brouk states, “Black women are twice as likely to experience maternal mental health conditions but half as likely to receive treatment. The most commonly used screenings in New York do not account for social determinants of health…[and thus] are less effective at detecting maternal depression in Black and brown women.” The hope is to create better screenings to detect and treat PPD in vulnerable populations.
In addition, a new app called She Matters is specifically designed to support Black mothers struggling with PPD. Over 180 therapists who are sensitive to the cultural circumstances of vulnerable populations are available on the app to work with women to develop treatment plans and follow the women through their PPD to healing and an improved state of mental health.
These efforts are, of course, just the beginning of what needs to be done to help women, all women, receive the help they need to quickly overcome PPD and experience the joy of motherhood. But women can find help in their own circle of relationships, as well.
First, ask for help. Do not be ashamed to admit that you are experiencing any of the symptoms of PPD. Usually, these are caused by hormonal changes and a medical doctor may be able to help. Other times, it’s a lack of sleep or simply the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Reach out to family and friends to provide you with some babysitting support so that you can nap, take a bath, or take a walk in the fresh air to give you some peace and quiet. Exercise and healthy food are also necessary to help you recover. If you’re nursing, your baby is drawing on your nutrition for health. You’re still eating for two, so eat well. This, too, can help improve your mood and lessen your PPD symptoms.
Some time to yourself and adequate sleep, food, and exercise is sometimes enough to beat PPD, but it’s not always enough. If you are struggling with postpartum depression, or any mental health issue or marital issue, please reach out to me. I am here to help you come out of this difficult time stronger and more ready to build your family.