Maternal Mental Health month highlights needs of mothers across Mississippi

Harper‑Peavey said families should watch for symptoms that go beyond the “baby blues,” including prolonged anxiety, hopelessness, difficulty bonding with a baby or thoughts of self‑harm. Symptoms can last for weeks or months after childbirth and may include memory problems, emotional withdrawal and feeling disconnected from daily life.

“When she’s in a state of hopelessness or despair, out of touch with reality, or talking about harming herself or the baby, that’s when we need to call 911,” she said.

She said postpartum psychosis is rare but considered a medical emergency.

“A mom may experience delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, rapid mood swings or cognitive impairment,” Harper‑Peavey said. “This is where we see a risk of infanticide or suicide, so it’s extremely serious.”

LaTasha Rice, program manager for maternal and child health at the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health, said programs like the Baby Depot help reduce stress by providing essential supplies for children.

“Everything is very stressful financially,” Rice said. “Having aid in this area helps relieve some stress — something they don’t have to worry about.”

The Baby Depot is available in all 82 counties. Mothers can pick up items at the Jackson Medical Mall or have supplies delivered to their homes. Rice said the program has served more than 800 mothers since launching in September 2024, offering free diapers, wipes, formula, breast pumps and other essentials. Families can place orders online and receive assistance every three months.

Harper‑Peavey said Black women are disproportionately affected by maternal mental health conditions and are less likely to receive treatment.

“Almost 40% of Black mothers experience maternal mental health conditions — about twice as likely as white women,” she said. “Black women are half as likely to receive treatment.”

She said barriers such as poverty, limited access to rural health care, birth trauma and lack of social support increase risks.

Teresa Harris, a mother of six, was diagnosed with postpartum depression in 2016 after the birth of her third child. She said she struggled for years before receiving a diagnosis and often felt isolated after becoming a mother at 21.

“It can be the wrong comment one day when you’re at your lowest,” Harris said. “You don’t want your 5‑year‑old to walk in and see that you slit your wrist and have to call 911.”

Harris said stigma and lack of understanding within families can keep mothers from seeking help.

“There are families that don’t believe in mental health or depression,” she said. “Keeping quiet will make things worse.”

She said journaling and support from her older brother helped her cope before she eventually sought professional treatment and medication.

Harper‑Peavey said support from family, friends and communities can make a significant difference.

“Ask her, ‘What can I do for you?’” she said. “If it’s cooking dinner, washing dishes or watching the baby so mom can rest — those things matter.”

She said untreated maternal mental health conditions can affect infants through higher risks of preterm birth, low birth weight and longer stays in neonatal intensive care units. They can also impact bonding and a child’s emotional and cognitive development.

Health leaders say mothers should know they are not alone and that resources are available across Mississippi, including counseling, support groups and the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.