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The Black Maternal Health and Mental Health Crisis

  • May 22, 2024
  • 3 min read


Light has finally begun to shine on the maternal health public health issue, especially in the United States. The maternal health crisis escalates when evaluated between different ethnic groups. Black women and birthing people* in the US face significant disparities in maternal health and maternal mental health outcomes compared to their white counterparts, highlighting systemic inequities in healthcare.


Despite medical advancements, Black women and birthing people are more likely to experience pregnancy-related complications and mortality. They are also more likely to suffer from postpartum depression and other mental health issues. May is known as Maternal Mental Health Month and is recognized in many countries including the United States. Mothers and birthing people, especially Black mothers and birthing people must be taken care of during their maternal stages. Addressing the social determinants of health such as racism, economic status, and neighborhood location affecting the maternal outcomes for Black mothers or birthing people should be the main priority for public health stakeholders.


The impact of chronic stress as a result of racism and discrimination within the healthcare system becomes a significant risk factor for maternal mental health disorders. Long-term exposure to this stress, coupled with trauma can exacerbate adverse health and mental health outcomes among Black mothers. Postpartum depression (PPD) and Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) are just examples of some of the various mental health conditions Black mothers and birthing people suffer from. PPD affects one in eight women or birthing people within the United States. However, Black women and birthing people are 1.6 times more likely to be at risk of PPD than their white counterparts. Black women and birthing people are also less likely to receive any support for their mental health conditions for a plethora of reasons not limited to financial barriers, mistrust of the healthcare system, and the stigma associated with mental health within the Black community.


Paying attention to the maternal health of Black women and birthing people is critical because of the significant disparities they face in healthcare outcomes compared to other racial groups. Black women and birthing people are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and their maternal mortality rate is disproportionately high. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach, including improving access to culturally competent healthcare and providing targeted support for maternal mental health issues. It is also essential to destigmatize mental health within the Black community, where cultural and historical factors often contribute to the reluctance to seek mental healthcare.


Tips to help with maternal mental health include increasing access to mental health services, promoting awareness of postpartum depression, and creating supportive community networks. Additionally, open dialogues about mental health and integrating mental health education into community programs can help reduce stigma. It is imperative to mobilize stakeholders such as healthcare providers, policymakers, community leaders, and advocacy groups to develop and implement policies that ensure equitable healthcare access and outcomes for Black women and birthing persons. By prioritizing the maternal mental health of Black women and birthing persons and working to destigmatize mental health care, we can eliminate these disparities and foster a healthcare system that supports the well-being of all mothers.






Footnotes

*Birthing people is a gender-neutral term used to discuss pregnancy.


References

Estriplet, T., Morgan, I., Davis, K., Crear Perry, J., & Matthews, K. (2022). Black Perinatal Mental Health: Prioritizing Maternal Mental Health to Optimize Infant Health and Wellness.


Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.807235

Raza, S. K., & Raza, S. (2019, November 18). Postpartum Psychosis. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544304/

 

Links for Knowledge

 

Links for Help in Brooklyn and New York City


 

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