THE TEA | March 2025
A Crucial Piece of the Maternal Wellness Puzzle: Perinatal Mental Health
By Melissa Wickliffe, LCSW
Hi, I’m Melissa Wickliffe, a lifelong Arkansan, licensed clinical social worker, and Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at Baptist Health. My work revolves around championing mental health services, resources and outreach throughout the state. Today, I want to talk about one of the behavioral health causes that is near and dear to my heart: perinatal mental health.
What is perinatal mental health?
Perinatal mental health refers to the mental health of a woman who is either pregnant or postpartum. Bringing a new life into the world is beautiful, but it’s also full of new challenges, concerns and stressors – and how equipped a mom is to handle them mentally is crucial to her overall wellness, along with the health of her baby and family.
Historically, the rhetoric around the mental health of mothers has been limited to postpartum depression, but that is only one of many mental health conditions moms may face. There are a full spectrum of issues experienced by many expecting moms, known as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, or PMADs. PMADs affect 1 in 5 women, and by naming and talking about these issues, we can help more women feel seen and supported through this exciting yet unpredictable phase of life.
Common PMADs may include:
- Anxiety-related disorders
- Panic disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
What causes Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders?
One common misconception is that traumatic events bring on all PMADs. Though that can be the case, a diagnosed PMAD, or even feelings of overwhelm, stress or anxiety, can be caused by completely ordinary circumstances. Simply figuring out how you’re going to handle the mental, physical and emotional stress of taking care of a baby in addition to your other responsibilities is often enough to take a toll on your mental health.
Who is at risk?
A woman is 50% more likely to develop a PMAD if she has had one in a previous pregnancy. African American women are also at 35% increased risk of PMADs than other populations.
Other risk factors include:
- Low or no social support
- Low or no support at home
- Financial stress
- Socioeconomic stress
- Multiples pregnancy or birth
It should also be noted that if a woman is experiencing depression or anxiety during her pregnancy, her partner is at a higher risk of depression.
How can I bolster my perinatal mental health?
Motherhood has traditionally been viewed as nothing less than amazing and joy-filled, with little acknowledgment of the challenging, stressful – and sometimes low – moments that come along with it. Having realistic expectations of the motherhood experience, you can set yourself up to enjoy the journey and take the more difficult parts in stride.
Another way to invest in your mental health is to build a strong support system of people with who you can openly share how you’re doing mentally, emotionally, and physically. Identify trusted friends and family, and find a therapist if you need further help. If you can’t think of anyone, reach out to your church, community connections, your OBGYN or your primary care provider to find people you can talk to.
Finally, frequently check in with your emotions and recognize any concerning feelings or mindsets that need to be addressed.
What are reasons to seek treatment?
Of course there is in depth clinical criteria that indicates the need for further mental health treatment, but my philosophy revolves around your answer to one question: Is this symptom prohibiting me from living my day-to-day life in the way I want to?
Treatment is necessary if you feel any of your symptoms are preventing you from basic daily functions. For example, your sadness is preventing you from being able to get out of bed to take care of your baby, or your anxiety is so high that you cannot leave the house to take the baby to the appointment.
A formal diagnosis isn’t necessary to seek mental health treatment. The desire to be mentally healthier is enough of a reason.
If you decide you want to pursue perinatal mental health services, what are the next steps?
For many women, the first step toward finding the right mental health provider is reaching out to your OBGYN or primary care provider. At Baptist Health, you can also contact our primary care clinics that offer behavioral health services directly and schedule an appointment.
The Key to Health: Mind, Body and Soul
There’s no such thing as a healthy life without a healthy mind, and I’m excited to be part of the work Baptist Health is doing to close the mental health gaps for expecting and new moms across Arkansas. If you or someone you know is in the throes of motherhood, I hope you make time to ask one simple question, “How are you really doing?” True wellness – for moms, families and communities – depends on it.
About the Author
Melissa Wickliffe, LCSW recently joined Baptist Health as the VP of Behavioral Health Services. She brings 25 years of behavioral health experience and is driven to ensure an integrated patient care experience. She stresses the importance of treating mental health in conjunction with physical health. Additionally, she is a mom who strives to prioritize mental wellbeing across women’s health, reduce stigma, and be a supportive voice for women throughout their pregnancy/motherhood journey.
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If you decide you want to pursue perinatal mental health services, what are the next steps?
For many women, the first step toward finding the right mental health provider is reaching out to your OBGYN or primary care provider. At Baptist Health, you can also contact our primary care clinics that offer behavioral health services directly and schedule an appointment.
