The demands of motherhood can often collide with the complexities of mental health, especially for new mothers. While the excitement of welcoming a new baby is immense, it can sometimes overshadow the mental health challenges many new moms face. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression, and over half of those affected do not receive treatment. The good news is that many maternal mental health issues are treatable with the right care and support.

Navigating mental health challenges while caring for a newborn can feel overwhelming. Recognizing when one may be struggling and knowing where and how to seek support is a crucial first step.

Unlike the “baby blues,” which typically resolve within a few days or weeks, postpartum depression symptoms are more intense and last longer. In addition to postpartum depression, many women can also experience postpartum anxiety. Symptoms can include:

• Feeling extremely sad or angry without warning
• Struggling to focus or having trouble completing tasks
• Feeling “robotic” or just going through the motions
• Experiencing intense anxiety around the baby or other children
• Feeling guilty
• Becoming unusually irritable or angry

These symptoms can appear anytime during pregnancy or in the first 12 months after childbirth. Many of these signs can also be present in various mental health conditions during and after pregnancy. Members should talk to their healthcare provider about their symptoms to determine whether they’re experiencing the baby blues or something more serious.

Here are some resources for new parents:

• Routine care. During prenatal and postnatal visits, members should talk to their provider about any mental health symptoms they are experiencing. Providers can screen for mental health conditions and connect help connect them to the right care.

• Care Companion. Members who are seeing a participating provider have access to Care Companion – Healthy Pregnancy through My Health Online. After completing a postpartum depression screening, members can quickly get connected to care, if needed. For more information, visit these FAQs.

• Mental health services. Members have access to mental health services through U.S. Behavioral Health Plan, California (USBHPC). Members can self-refer for in-network office or virtual visits. Visit Live and Work Well or call USBHPC at (855) 202-0984 to find a provider.

• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Pregnant and new mothers can call or text (833) 852-6262 for 24/7 support in both English and Spanish.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If someone is in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, they or a loved one can call or text 988, any time, day or night, for free, confidential emotional support.