We need to treat this like the public health issue it is.
That means:
🧠 Understanding root causes
🩺 Implementing better screening
📋 Creating policies that support moms where they are
#maternalmentalhealth #publichealth
This isn’t just a post-COVID phenomenon.
The downward trend began before the pandemic.
Mothers across all demographics are feeling the strain. Single moms and those with less education or public insurance are feeling it most.
In 2016, 38% of moms rated their mental health as "excellent." By 2023, that number dropped to just 26%.
"Fair or poor" mental health rose from 5.5% to 8.5%.
That’s not a small shift.
Graphic which says maternal mental health news.
Maternal mental health is declining ... and not just because of the pandemic.
New research from the Journal of the American Medical Association paints a concerning picture.
Graphic of a mom holding her baby. Both are smiling.
If that sounds like something you'd want in your inbox, you can sign up at the link in the comments.
#maternalmentalhealth #perinatalmentalhealth #psychologistmom
May is Maternal Mental Health Month and the current edition of my newsletter leans into that. But every month, I share reflections, practical tips, and mental health resources for people navigating all kinds of obstacles that may pop up in life.
As both a psychologist and a mom, I know how layered the experience of new motherhood can be. It’s not just sleepless nights. It’s identity shifts, emotional ups and downs, and the invisible work of holding everything together.
#asd #autism #neurodiversity #autismacceptance #autismawareness #mentalhealth #psychologist #neuroaffirming
Today is the last day of Autism Acceptance Month. But the need for true inclusion doesn’t end here. In my latest blog post, I talk about what real support looks like for autistic adults in 2025 (beyond blue lights and buzzwords). It’s not about “fixing,” it’s about understanding.
You’re more likely to ignore evidence to the contrary (e.g. that you didn’t actually mess up) in favor of believing only the assumed truth of the situation.
What can help? CBT! First up is some relaxation to recenter and then you’ll be ready to see what’s really true - not just what feels true.
The more anxious, mad, or sad you feel, the more you believe your take on the situation is true. We call this emotional reasoning. Example: if you feel guilty about something, you’re more likely to feel like this feeling proves that you messed up.
5. Social media can increase anxiety, especially for young people who use it too much or rely on it for emotional support. Mindfulness apps and digital tools may help by encouraging self-awareness and self-control. In turn, these tools can help make social media use healthier.
4. Becoming a dad changes the brain. Studies show that during pregnancy and after birth, men’s brains adapt in areas linked to motivation, attention, and parenting. This is because the brain rewires itself based on experience. So fatherhood is an instinct and it's learned.
3. Bipolar disorder is often missed or misdiagnosed. This means many people don’t get the right treatment for years. Most medications used for bipolar weren’t originally made for it and many people struggle to stick with their meds. While progress is being made, there's still a ways to go with this.
2. Scientists have created a new test that can spot early signs of Alzheimer’s up to 10 years before it shows up on brain scans. This could help doctors diagnose and treat the disease sooner and give people a better chance at slowing or preventing memory loss.
Your Friday psychology and mental health news roundup a couple days late. Enjoy!
1. There was a research paper just published which showed evidence that executive functioning difficulties show up early in children with a family history of autism and/or ADHD.
I like this reframe!
Well said! As a neuropsychologist who does ASD assessments with adults, I enjoy collaborating with people who are on this self-discovery journey.
Really interesting. Not entirely surprising 😉
Children and adolescents with ADHD have significantly higher risks of depression and anxiety disorders. However, stimulant medications are linked to a 20% reduction in depression risk. #ADHD #MentalHealth #DepressionAwareness #StimulantMedications #ChildPsychology
7. Maternal stress during pregnancy can possibly impact the baby's development. Another reason to prioritize maternal mental healthcare!
8. A U.S. senator made comments about treating ADHD with corporal punishment. There was a lot of backlash from the medical community.
#mentalhealthnews
6. Researchers showed that an experimental drug used in mice can restore memory and cognitive function. Hopefully this is a step in the right direction for research with people! Dementia still has no cure ...
4. Anti-depressant medications are helpful for Generalized Anxiety Disorder - this isn't something new but it was talked about this week.
5. Kanye West shared that he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
2. Marijuana use can have a negative impact on working memory (aka the ability to hold information in the forefront of your mind in order to do something with it).
3. Women need more sleep than men. 💤
First post on Bluesky! Happy to be here. Why not start with a little Friday psychology and mental health news roundup? Feel free to hit up the comments to talk more!
1. A study showed that dancing can help lift the moods of people with Parkinson's Disease.
