Over half (54%) of adult survey respondents in St. Louis reported knowing someone who has ever experienced post-partum depression (PPD), and 1 in 5 (20%) know someone who’s had PPD in the last year.
Postpartum depression – a condition in which a person feels sad, anxious, and tired after giving birth – has been in the news because the FDA recently approved a new pill for PPD. About 30% of St. Louisans had heard about the new pill when asked two weeks ago.
Increased community awareness of PPD can help connect those affected to treatment and support.
“Awareness and access to support for pregnant and postpartum people is critically important because mental health conditions continue to be a leading, and preventable, cause of pregnancy related deaths in Missouri,” says Kendra Copanas, Executive Director of Generate Health.
Generate Health’s Bloom Network is improving access to culturally responsive supports across the pregnancy and parenthood journey and will host an event for community members to connect with mental health and wellness providers on September 7. For more information about the event, email cmellenthin@generatehealthstl.org.
The St. Louis survey showed that even among respondents who knew someone with PPD, awareness of the newly approved treatment pill was only about 30%.
This week’s report is based on 160 responses from a panel of adult residents of St. Louis City and County surveyed from Saturday, August 19, to Monday, August 21 2023.
Explore these data and more at iHeardSTL.
Editor’s note: In last week’s alert, we shared a social media asset with the former National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. The number provided last week will continue to work until May 2024. The new number is 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).
Download the infographics below to share about this topic on social media.
Suggested caption:
You’re not alone. Postpartum depression can make it difficult to care for oneself or baby after birth. Seeking help is a positive step towards healing.
If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), a 24/7, free, confidential hotline for pregnant people and new parents.
#iHeardSTL #PostPartumDepression #TLCMAMA
Suggested caption:
You’re not alone. Postpartum depression can make it difficult to care for oneself or baby after birth. Seeking help is a positive step towards healing. If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), a 24/7, free, confidential hotline for pregnant people and new parents.
#iHeardSTL #PostPartumDepression #TLCMAMA