• Postpartum depression and anxiety rates are increasing, with studies showing a rise in PPD over the last decade, impacting approximately 1 in 5 women.
• The 'mental load' disproportionately carried by new mothers, coupled with lack of support, significantly contributes to PPD, leading to overwhelm, burnout, and feelings of isolation.
• Community support networks, counseling services, and proactive self-care strategies are crucial in preventing and managing PPD, emphasizing the need for shared responsibilities and accessible resources.

Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety are increasingly recognized as significant challenges for new mothers. The rising rates, potentially reflecting improved screening, highlight the importance of understanding contributing factors and available resources. These factors include the intense mental load, hormonal changes, psychological and social pressures. Community initiatives, counseling services, and expert advice converge to offer a supportive framework for prevention, early intervention, and ongoing management of these conditions, promoting maternal well-being.

• What: Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety are mental health conditions affecting women after childbirth, characterized by persistent sadness, anxiety, and other symptoms.
• Who: Key individuals include Lisa Tremayne (nurse and advocate), Kristy Champignon (perinatal mental health counselor), Erin Haney (founder of Raising Sunshine), Audrey Schoen (licensed marriage and family therapist), Stephanie Fornaro (mother who experienced PPD), Marissa Zwetow (founder of Postpartum Happiness), Prof Aniekan Abasiattai, and Prof Christopher Aimakhu (obstetricians and gynecologists). Organizations include Postpartum Support International (PSI), RWJBarnabas Anne Vogel Family Care and Wellness Center, Meadowlark Counseling, Supervision & Consultation, and Raising Sunshine.
• When: PPD typically begins within the first week after childbirth and can continue for up to a year if untreated. The 'baby blues' are common in the first 2-3 weeks, but persistent symptoms warrant attention.
• Where: The reports focus on the United States (New Jersey, Northern California, Texas) and Nigeria, highlighting resources and experiences in these regions.

The combined reports reveal a growing awareness of postpartum depression and anxiety, with increasing rates reflecting better screening and diagnosis. A key theme is the significant impact of the 'mental load' on new mothers, often exacerbated by lack of support from partners and family. The reports emphasize the importance of community support, professional counseling, and self-care strategies. Discrepancies arise in the reported prevalence rates, likely due to varying methodologies and geographical locations, with developing countries potentially facing higher rates due to limited access to healthcare and social support.

"By saying postpartum depression, we’re not even reaching the women who need it and we’re calling it the wrong name, which gives it a stigma."

"The mental load required to simply keep two babies alive at the same time, while tending to my most basic needs, was overwhelming alone."

"Although their level of effectiveness may not have been scientifically proven, I believe that these preventive measures would assist in bringing them down. These include obtaining antenatal care because it’s been documented that women who don’t obtain formal antenatal care, the unbooked women, tend to have a higher risk of developing postpartum depression."

Postpartum depression and anxiety are significant concerns affecting a substantial number of new mothers. Addressing the 'mental load,' promoting community support, and ensuring access to mental health resources are crucial steps in prevention and management. While challenges persist, particularly in developing countries, increased awareness and proactive interventions offer hope for improving maternal well-being. Ongoing research and support initiatives are essential to addressing this pervasive issue.