On Tuesday, February 12th, the United States Preventative Services Task Force issued a recommendation statement on Interventions to Prevent Perinatal Depression; find it HERE. (Learn more about what the USPSTF is and does HERE.) This recent recommendation builds upon a 2016 Recommendation Statement from the USPSTF specifically addressing depression screening and adequate support systems for pregnant and postpartum women.
The current recommendation is important for several reasons:
- Further acknowledgement that unrecognized and untreated perinatal depression has vast, negative outcomes for Mom, the child, her family and communities at large.
- Further push for MORE research to find where the gaps in knowledge and care are at.
- Potential tie to encourage or require insurers to implement payment for depression screenings.
Better Beginnings applauds the Task Force for responding to the public health issue of untreated perinatal mental illness. The Better Beginnings model of care is centered on rapid access to specialized care for perinatal women, men and families.
One of the very FIRST areas of reaching Moms and Dads is education and awareness. This couples with the willingness of medical providers to open the door to acknowledgement and conversation of perinatal mental illness. Let’s make the awareness materials VISIBLE. Knowing risk factors, symptoms and that there is help (treatment) is crucial.
At almost any OB/GYN or Midwifery practice you will find pamphlets and posters about gestational diabetes, STDs, blood pressure, nutrition, even dental care during pregnancy. It’s time for mental health to be present as a normal part of conversation as well.
Find our infographic below. Consider commenting and letting us know if you were aware of your risk factors prior to pregnancy or having a baby.
Interested in having a copy of the poster? We would be HAPPY to provide it to you. Email us at contact@BetterBeginningsFL.com or call us (352) 462-9484.
