Supporting Maternal Mental Health: Enhancing Accessibility to Services

Focus on Maternal Mental Health: A Priority for May

May marks a significant period in the calendar, being recognized as Women’s Health Month, Mental Health Month, and a time to celebrate Mother’s Day. This month, attention turns to maternal mental health—a critical yet often overlooked aspect of reproductive health. Pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period can trigger a complex interplay of emotional responses in women, including joy, anxiety, and the well-documented baby blues.

In Utah, the situation is concerning: statistics from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services reveal that one in three women will face challenges such as depression, anxiety during pregnancy, or postpartum depression. This figure underscores a pressing need for increased awareness and support surrounding maternal mental health.

It is essential to recognize that these emotional disturbances do not only affect new mothers. Partners, fathers, and other family members can also experience significant psychological impacts during this transformative period. “Having a baby is a significant life change, making mothers more susceptible to behavioral health issues. Factors such as hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the immense responsibilities of caring for a newborn can catalyze mood fluctuations,” explains Emily Bryan, a licensed clinical social worker with Intermountain Health.

Mental health professionals highlight the importance of recognizing the symptoms that go beyond ordinary postpartum feelings. If new mothers are struggling to regain a sense of self or find daily activities challenging for two to three weeks following childbirth, they may be dealing with more than just transient mood shifts. Bryan notes, “Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can manifest anytime from pregnancy through up to a year after giving birth.”

Beyond postpartum depression, these disorders may include conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and even psychosis. Recognition of these disorders is vital, particularly for individuals with prior personal or family histories of mental illness, as they are at an elevated risk.

Intermountain Health is addressing these challenges by integrating behavioral health services into women’s health clinics across Utah. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive approach to maternal care by enabling early detection and intervention for mental health issues. “These clinics function as a one-stop shop for both physical and emotional health needs during pregnancy,” noted Bryan.

Key benefits of having integrated behavioral health providers in maternal care settings include:

1. Increased likelihood of accessing mental health services.
2. Reduction of stigma associated with seeking behavioral health support.
3. Streamlined care that addresses both physical and emotional health.
4. Enhanced access to care post-childbirth, especially when insurance deductibles are met.
5. Improved provider familiarity with behavioral health referral processes.

Experts affirm that early detection in maternal mental health can greatly mitigate the severity of symptoms and reduce the necessity for intensive treatments in the future. Mothers-to-be are encouraged to watch for signs of mental health issues, so proactive strategies can be deployed.

Furthermore, Intermountain Health operates 12 women’s health clinics throughout Utah, equipped with behavioral health services designed to assist women at various stages of their reproductive health. Locations include the Avenues Women’s Center in Salt Lake City, St. George Regional Hospital, and others aimed at providing comprehensive care.

To access mental health resources, individuals can call Intermountain’s behavioral health navigation line at 1-833-442-2211 or visit the Women’s Health and Behavioral Health sections on Intermountain’s website. The objective is clear: to ensure that both physical and mental health needs are addressed effectively, helping new families navigate the complexities of motherhood with confidence and support.