Why Support Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential for Maternal Mental Health

Motherhood is beautiful—but for many, it is also marked by silence, struggle, and stigma. Maternal mental health disorders, including postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety, are among the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Yet they remain among the least discussed.

The Alarming Numbers

• 1 in 5 mothers in the U.S.—roughly 600,000 women each year—experience maternal mental health disorders.
• Rates of postpartum depression nearly doubled from 9.4% in 2010 to 19% in 2021.
• 75% of women never receive the treatment they need.
• Perinatal depression affects 1 in 7 during pregnancy or postpartum, while up to 17% experience postpartum anxiety.

These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent real mothers navigating the hardest moments of their lives, often without the support they need.

Why Support Matters

Research confirms what mothers already know in their bones: isolation makes things worse.

• Social isolation is a known risk factor for depression.
• Inadequate support is the leading cause of postnatal depression.
• Loneliness in parents doesn’t just affect moms—it has lasting intergenerational impacts on children, too.

The Lasting Impact

Without treatment, symptoms can persist for up to three years, affecting both maternal health and child development. Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and women of color face disproportionately high risks due to systemic disparities.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The solution isn’t just medical—it’s communal. Moms don’t just need therapy appointments (though those are critical); they need villages of support: people to call on, neighbors to trust, and networks that remind them they’re not alone.

At MiJi, this is our mission: to rebuild the village for modern moms. Because maternal mental health isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a community one.

Together, we can end the silence and bring care back to where it belongs: the village