We need to treat this like the public health issue it is.

That means:
🧠 Understanding root causes
🩺 Implementing better screening
📋 Creating policies that support moms where they are

#maternalmentalhealth #publichealth

This isn’t just a post-COVID phenomenon.
The downward trend began before the pandemic.

Mothers across all demographics are feeling the strain. Single moms and those with less education or public insurance are feeling it most.

In 2016, 38% of moms rated their mental health as "excellent." By 2023, that number dropped to just 26%.

"Fair or poor" mental health rose from 5.5% to 8.5%.
That’s not a small shift.

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#maternalmentalhealth #perinatalmentalhealth #psychologistmom

May is Maternal Mental Health Month and the current edition of my newsletter leans into that. But every month, I share reflections, practical tips, and mental health resources for people navigating all kinds of obstacles that may pop up in life.

#asd #autism #neurodiversity #autismacceptance #autismawareness #mentalhealth #psychologist #neuroaffirming

www.fullstackpsychology.com/blog/asd-acc...

You’re more likely to ignore evidence to the contrary (e.g. that you didn’t actually mess up) in favor of believing only the assumed truth of the situation.

What can help? CBT! First up is some relaxation to recenter and then you’ll be ready to see what’s really true - not just what feels true.

5. Social media can increase anxiety, especially for young people who use it too much or rely on it for emotional support. Mindfulness apps and digital tools may help by encouraging self-awareness and self-control. In turn, these tools can help make social media use healthier.

4. Becoming a dad changes the brain. Studies show that during pregnancy and after birth, men’s brains adapt in areas linked to motivation, attention, and parenting. This is because the brain rewires itself based on experience. So fatherhood is an instinct and it's learned.

3. Bipolar disorder is often missed or misdiagnosed. This means many people don’t get the right treatment for years. Most medications used for bipolar weren’t originally made for it and many people struggle to stick with their meds. While progress is being made, there's still a ways to go with this.

2. Scientists have created a new test that can spot early signs of Alzheimer’s up to 10 years before it shows up on brain scans. This could help doctors diagnose and treat the disease sooner and give people a better chance at slowing or preventing memory loss.

Well said! As a neuropsychologist who does ASD assessments with adults, I enjoy collaborating with people who are on this self-discovery journey.

7. Maternal stress during pregnancy can possibly impact the baby's development. Another reason to prioritize maternal mental healthcare!

8. A U.S. senator made comments about treating ADHD with corporal punishment. There was a lot of backlash from the medical community.

#mentalhealthnews

6. Researchers showed that an experimental drug used in mice can restore memory and cognitive function. Hopefully this is a step in the right direction for research with people! Dementia still has no cure ...

4. Anti-depressant medications are helpful for Generalized Anxiety Disorder - this isn't something new but it was talked about this week.

5. Kanye West shared that he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.