Montgomery County health officials are urging residents to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and the less common but more severe postpartum psychosis.
This call to action comes shortly after a Montgomery County mother was charged with the murder of her three-month-old baby and ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation.
In a Friday news release, Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis outlined the symptoms of these conditions and provided guidance on how to seek help if you or someone you know might be affected.
Dr. Davis explained that experiencing the “baby blues” after childbirth, marked by mild sadness or disconnection, is relatively common and usually resolves within a few days. However, postpartum depression is more serious and can last weeks or months. Symptoms include anxiety, mood swings, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and difficulty completing daily tasks or caring for the baby. In some cases, intrusive thoughts of death or suicide may occur.
“Some mothers feel disconnected or hopeless, despite everyone else celebrating the arrival of the baby,” Davis said. “It can manifest as intense anger, irritability, or feeling inadequate.”
Postpartum psychosis, a rarer and more severe condition, may involve hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, or disordered thinking. Davis emphasized the critical risk these conditions pose, potentially endangering both the mother and the baby.
If you suspect someone may be struggling with postpartum depression or psychosis, Davis encouraged starting a conversation. This could involve urging the mother to talk to her primary care doctor, OB-GYN, or the baby’s healthcare provider. Offering practical support, like helping with childcare, can also make a difference.
Davis also highlighted the generational shift in attitudes toward mental health. “We’re now more open to discussing the physical and emotional toll of having a baby,” she said. “It’s OK to not be OK.”
She cautioned against comparing one’s experience to the curated images often seen on social media, noting that these portrayals are far from reality.
For support, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). This free, confidential service provides assistance by phone or text in English and Spanish for those who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
