WHEREAS, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (“PMDs”), including post-partum depression, post-partum anxiety, and post-partum psychosis, impact people of every culture, age, income level, and race; and
WHEREAS, PMDs are the most common complication of childbirth, impacting 20% of women; and
WHEREAS, symptoms of PMDs can include depressed mood or severe mood swings; difficulty or diminished ability to bond with the baby; diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate, or make decisions; withdrawal from family or friends; severe anxiety; panic attacks; and thoughts of self-harm; and
WHEREAS,
PMDs are often undiagnosed, under-treated, or not treated at all; and
WHEREAS, the Delaware Child Death 2021 Annual Report noted that in one-third of the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review cohort, the mothers experienced a mental health condition, most often depression, in the postpartum period; and
WHEREAS, a five year analysis of maternal deaths in Delaware conducted by the Delaware Death Review Commission discovered that 46% of maternal deaths had a contributing mental health condition; and
WHEREAS, PMDs can be triggered by complex psychological, social, and biological stressors; and
WHEREAS, Black women, Indigenous women, and Latinas are at greater risk than White women, with a majority not receiving treatment for PMDs; and
WHEREAS, lack of insurance coverage, social and cultural stigma, logistical barriers to services, and lack of culturally appropriate care significantly contribute to inequitable access to treatment for PMDs; and
WHEREAS, lack of access to sick leave or medical leave presents a barrier for low-income and middle-class employed parents seeking treatment; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 has led to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression among pregnant people, and medical professionals recommend supporting and expanding preventative programs and interventions to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of pregnant people.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the General Assembly hereby designates May 5, 2023, as “Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day” in the State of Delaware.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Delaware should prioritize the health and well-being of parents by promoting awareness of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, expanding availability of mental health providers, and working to address the social and economic barriers that contribute to, and exacerbate, these disorders, including addressing the disproportionate racial impact and barriers that prevent women from seeking and obtaining treatment.
