Maternal Mental Health

written by terry bright, director of programs

Mary came to Elizabeth House when she was expecting her third child. She had a history of drug abuse and felt depressed and overwhelmed with the many losses in her day-to-day life. It took all of her effort to stay clean and get through the challenges of each day. She knew she needed help, and she called us to lend a hand.  

Fortunately, Elizabeth House was able to bring Mary into our Program. We could see that she had the potential to be a wonderful mother. She showed great care and compassion not only with her own two children, but also with the other children in our Program. Right away, Mary started participating in our maternal mental health programs in addition to other therapies and support we provide.

According to Carolyn Chew-Graham with Keele University,

Maternal mental health problems can range from anxiety, low mood and depression to psychosis. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems during pregnancy, with around 12% of women experiencing depression and 13% experiencing anxiety at some point, many women will experience both… The impact of maternal mental health problems goes further. The symptoms may lead to poor bonding with the baby and difficulties with breastfeeding (which can itself lead to distress, anxiety and low mood). Maternal depression can have far reaching consequences on the development of the baby, with problems extending into childhood and adolescence. Research has shown potential impacts on cognitive development, including language development, conduct and school performance (2018).  

At Elizabeth House we address these concerns. Through classes and counseling, each of our residents addresses their need for heathy attachment and bonding with their babies. We have seen amazing results when our mothers are given the education and support they need to bond and attach with their child.  

Helping Mary connect with her baby greatly improved her mental health. I am happy to share that Mary today has three healthy children and is studying to be an RN. Her time and education with Elizabeth House not only improved her own mental health as a mother, but increased her understanding of the problems her future patients may face.

To protect the privacy of our client, we have changed her name for this article. The photo used does not depict Mary or any of her children.