Black Maternal Mental Health Week

Published on July 14, 2025

Black Maternal Mental Health Week is July 19th through the 25th. Maternal mental health refers to a mother’s emotional, mental, and social well-being during pregnancy and after childbirth.

This week raises awareness and support for Black mothers, who are nearly twice as likely to experience maternal mental health challenges. When mothers are supported, babies thrive.

Why it Matters

Black mothers face unique and often overlooked challenges in healthcare. One in five new moms experiences a maternal mental health condition. Forty percent of Black women report symptoms like sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest, but many never receive help. You are not alone. You have a right to be heard, respected, and safe.

Understanding Perinatal Depression

Perinatal Depression is depression that occurs during pregnancy and after childbirth. It’s one of the most common complications of pregnancy and should be taken seriously. You might have depression if you have any of these signs or symptoms for more than two weeks:

• Crying more than usual.
• Thinking about death or suicide.
• Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby.
• Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much.
• Withdrawing from friends and family.
• Having headaches, stomach problems, or other aches and pains that don’t go away.
• Losing interest in things you usually like to do.
• Feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed.
• Feeling restless or moody.
• Having trouble bonding with your baby.
• Eating more or less than you usually do.
• Feeling worthless or guilty.
• Having no energy or feeling tired all the time.
• Having trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.

Depression is a medical condition that needs treatment to get better. If you think you may have depression, talk to your healthcare provider. If you are worried about hurting yourself or your baby, call 9-1-1, or call or text the Postpartum Support International (PSI) HelpLine at 1-800-944-4773.

Know the Warning Signs

If you're pregnant or recently gave birth, look out for:

• chest pain or rapid heartbeat
• trouble breathing
• vision changes, dizziness, or fainting
• heavy or smelly vaginal bleeding
• swelling in hands, face, or legs
• fever of 100.4°F or higher
• baby’s movements slowing or stopping

If something doesn’t feel right, speak up.

Support Starts Here

Your well-being is shaped by more than just medical care. Access to food, housing, transportation, mental health services, and financial security all play a role in maternal health. If you need help today, call 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000 to connect with local mental health and family support services.

Every mother deserves support. When moms care for themselves, they care for their little ones too. Together, we can create a future where Black mothers are prioritized, protected, and empowered.