Maternal mental health is making headlines. Experts say it’s long overdue

Key Points:

• Adrienne Griffen’s struggle to get help for postpartum depression in 2001 highlights ongoing challenges in maternal mental health care, despite some progress over 25 years.
• The trial of nurse Lindsay Clancy and the death of actress Hayden Panettiere have brought postpartum mental health issues, including rare conditions like postpartum psychosis, into public awareness.
• Experts emphasize that maternal mental health conditions affect up to 1 in 5 women during pregnancy and postpartum, but stigma, inadequate screening, and limited treatment options hinder effective care.
• Systemic issues include a lack of coordinated care for postpartum mothers, insufficient implementation of screening guidelines, and insurance structures that discourage addressing mental health needs.
• Advocates call for broader support involving the mother’s entire care “village,” policy reforms to improve access and affordability, and open conversations to reduce stigma and fear around seeking help.