Join us on May 6, 2026 to raise awareness around the globe for maternal mental health.
Spread the Word #maternalMHMatters #StrongerTogether
The first Wednesday of May is World Maternal Mental Health Day. Organizations from around the world are leading efforts to raise awareness about maternal mental health through a collective social media push and in-country events. #maternalMHmatters #StrongerTogether
Why we need
Maternal Mental Health Day
Helping mothers, helping babies!
In many countries, as many as 1 in 5 new mothers experiences some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMADs). These illnesses frequently go unnoticed and untreated, often with tragic and long-term consequences to both mother and child.
Raising Awareness
No one is immune!
Women of every culture, age, income level and race can develop perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Symptoms can appear any time during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth. There are effective and well-researched treatment options available to help women recover.
Influencing Policy
Illness is not a crime!
Women are sometimes considered to be criminals instead of patients needing treatment, in the case of infanticide. Through building awareness, it aims to prevent these tragedies and stands for just and scientifically based care.
Changing Attitude
No health without mental health!
Increasing awareness will drive social change with a goal toward improving the quality of care for women experiencing all types of PMADs, and reducing the stigma of maternal mental illness. We are encouraging mental health professionals, friends and relatives of new moms to ask her how she’s really feeling and encourage her to seek help.
Why maternal mental health should be a priority
World Maternal Mental Health Day draws attention to essential mental health concerns for mothers and families. Life changes around pregnancy make women more vulnerable to mental illness. The negative cycle of poverty and mental illness impact on a woman’s ability to function and thrive. This may also directly affect her foetus or child, with long-lasting physical, cognitive and emotional outcomes.
Mental health care provides the necessary support to empower women to identify resources and personal capabilities. This can enhance their resilience to difficult life circumstances and support them to nurture their children optimally. Caring for mothers is a positive intervention for long-term social development.
Worldwide
women experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD)
Women with PMAD
Statistics vary by country, but this is a worldwide concern. PMADs include postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder, postpartum bipolar, and postpartum psychosis.
Estimates are
women hide or downplay their symptoms
Women hiding their symptoms
Without understanding, support, and treatment these mental illnesses have a devastating impact on the women affected and on their partners and families.
About
dads develop depression during this time
Family mental health
Perinatal mood disorders affect the entire family. An integrated approach to family mental health allows both parents to move beyond the postpartum period as a thriving family unit.
It is Estimated
of pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth
Miscarriage or stillbirth
In addition to grief, many of these women also experience postpartum depression. Giving birth to a premature child, or having a child spend extended time in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, can also take a toll on maternal mental health.
Get Involved
Our theme this year highlights the need to support one another in maternal mental health, and whilst every woman’s journey is her own, we emphasize that we can help and guide each other. Because we are Stronger Together.
Become an advocate.
Download the 2025 Social Media Toolkit!
Join or support activities in your country or region.
Become a global partner.
Around 200 partners from across the globe are already part of this campaign. Anyone can join!