DELAWARE STATE SENATE

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 148

RECOGNIZING MAY 1, 2024, AS "MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (“PMDs”), including post-partum depression, post-partum anxiety, and post-partum psychosis, impact people of every culture, age, income level, and race; and

WHEREAS, PMDs are the most common complication of childbirth, impacting 20% of women; and

WHEREAS, symptoms of PMDs can include depressed mood or severe mood swings; difficulty or diminished ability to bond with the baby; diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate, or make decisions; withdrawal from family or friends; severe anxiety; panic attacks; and thoughts of self-harm; and

WHEREAS, PMDs are often undiagnosed, under-treated, or not treated at all; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware Maternal and Child Death Review Commission 2022 Annual Report noted that mental health issues are contributory in almost half, 46%, of Delaware’s pregnancy associated deaths; and

WHEREAS, Delaware’s fetal and infant mortality review (FIMR) cases indicate a high burden of mental health morbidity, particularly due to depression and anxiety, as 43% of FIMR mothers have a history of mental illness and 45% experience depression or another mental health morbidity in the postpartum period; and

WHEREAS, PMDs can be triggered by complex psychological, social, and biological stressors; and

WHEREAS, Black women, Indigenous women, and Latinas are at greater risk than white women, with a majority not receiving treatment for PMDs; and

WHEREAS, lack of insurance coverage, social and cultural stigma, logistical barriers to services, and lack of culturally appropriate care significantly contribute to inequitable access to treatment for PMDs; and

WHEREAS, lack of access to sick leave or medical leave presents a barrier for low-income and middle-class employed parents seeking treatment; and

WHEREAS, COVID-19 led to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression among pregnant people, and medical professionals recommended supporting and expanding preventative programs and interventions to mitigate the continuing impact of the pandemic on the mental health of pregnant people; and

WHEREAS, this day provides an opportunity to educate the public, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of maternal mental health disorders. This can help ensure people receive timely and appropriate support and care, and empowers families to recognize and address these mental health challenges and to create supportive environments for parents and their children; and

WHEREAS, “Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day” aims to raise awareness about maternal mental health issues and promote support for people who may be experiencing mental health challenges before, during, or after pregnancy.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the General Assembly hereby designates May 1, 2024, as “Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day” in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Delaware should prioritize the health and well-being of parents by promoting awareness of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, expanding availability of mental health providers, and working to address the social and economic barriers that contribute to, and exacerbate, these disorders, including addressing the disproportionate racial impact and barriers that prevent women from seeking and obtaining treatment.

SYNOPSIS

This Resolution recognizes May 1, 2024, as "Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day" in Delaware.

Author: Senator Gay