Cherished Mom, a national nonprofit organization focused on maternal mental health, will host its 5th Annual Pregnancy & Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) Awareness Day, highlighting a serious yet often overlooked perinatal mental health disorder that impacts approximately one to two mothers per 1,000 deliveries.
Postpartum psychosis is a severe psychiatric condition characterized by sudden onset of hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and rapid mood swings. The disorder carries significant risks, including a 5% suicide rate and a 4% infanticide rate, underscoring the critical need for public awareness and rapid medical intervention.
Kristina Dulaney, founder and executive director of Cherished Mom, emphasized the human element behind these statistics. Her organization seeks to break the stigma surrounding maternal mental health and provide pathways to recovery for affected families. By promoting early identification and appropriate medical support, Cherished Mom aims to prevent potential tragedies associated with untreated postpartum psychosis.
The awareness day encourages healthcare providers, community partners, and individuals to share educational resources and amplify understanding of this complex medical condition. While PPP is a psychiatric emergency, medical professionals stress that with timely and appropriate treatment, recovery is possible.
Cherished Mom's campaign represents a critical effort to support maternal mental health, drawing attention to a condition that can have devastating consequences when left unrecognized and untreated. By fostering widespread education and reducing societal stigma, the organization hopes to ensure that mothers experiencing postpartum psychosis receive compassionate, immediate care.
