Support MOTHERS!

Did you know that up to 800,000 women in the U.S. will develop a diagnosable perinatal mood disorder this year? We're talking postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD and psychosis. (This does not include women whose babies are stillborn, who miscarry or suffer pregnancy termination). Yet only 15% of these women will receive any treatment. We need to do a better job screening, educating and treating our nation's mothers! The MOTHERS Act addresses these concerns and offers the common sense and needed remedies of screening, education, provision of services and research.

Today's the day to call your Senator and ask him or her to support the MOTHERS Act if they are not already doing so. If you're not sure what to say, here's a sample script:

"Hello this is (your name) one of Senator (Senator's name) constituents from (your town). I am calling to ask the Senator to co-sponsor The MOTHERS Act bill number S. 1375, sponsored by Senator Menendez, which will provide funding for research, education, screening and treatment of postpartum depression."

For those that don't already know, I went through postpartum depression and panic disorder after the birth of my daughter 8 years ago. I only wish something like the MOTHERS Act was around back then! Maybe out of my OB/GYN, my daughter's pediatrician, my primary care doctor, my family and friends, one person could have helped me understand what I was going through. Let's make it better for our new moms from here on out!