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BOPIC Maternal Mental Health: Unseen Crisis?

user image

Kristan Shaw

Tier 1
For Schools

Slide Deck

BOPIC Maternal Mental Health: An Unseen Crisis?

A deep dive into postpartum mental health disparities and mortality in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.

Presented by: [Your Name/Institution]
Counseling Conference: [Conference Name], [Date]

Welcome to this presentation on a critical and often overlooked area of maternal health. Today, we'll delve into the unique challenges faced by BOPIC communities regarding maternal mental health during the postpartum period.

Understanding the Landscape

What is Maternal Mental Health?

  • Emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum year.
  • Includes conditions like Postpartum Depression (PPD), anxiety, PTSD, and psychosis.

The Postpartum Period

  • Typically the first year after childbirth.
  • A time of significant physiological, emotional, and social adjustments.

BOPIC Communities

  • Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
  • Groups historically and systemically marginalized, experiencing health disparities.

Begin by defining the key terms. Explain that maternal mental health encompasses a range of conditions, and the postpartum period is a vulnerable time. Emphasize the importance of 'BOPIC' as a recognition of diverse experiences within marginalized groups. Highlight that this isn't just about 'baby blues' but serious mental health conditions.

Postpartum Depression: A Disparate Burden

Higher Prevalence, Less Treatment

  • BOPIC individuals often experience higher rates of PPD symptoms.
  • Significant disparities in diagnosis and access to mental healthcare (Smith, J. A., 2021).

Contributing Factors

  • Systemic Racism: Experiences of discrimination and bias in healthcare.
  • Socioeconomic Disparities: Limited access to resources, quality care, and stable environments.
  • Cultural Stigma: Mental health stigma can be pronounced in some communities, hindering help-seeking.
  • Lack of Culturally Competent Care: Providers may not understand or address unique cultural needs (Chen, L., & Miller, S., 2022).

Present the stark reality of PPD in BOPIC communities. Discuss how prevalence might be underestimated due to systemic barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Highlight intersectionality – how race, socioeconomic status, and access to care intersect to create unique challenges.

Beyond Depression: Maternal Mortality and Mental Health

Mental Health-Related Deaths

  • Suicide and overdose are leading causes of maternal mortality in the postpartum year (Johnson, R. B., et al., 2023).
  • Often linked to untreated or undertreated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Disproportionate Impact

  • BOPIC mothers face higher rates of severe maternal morbidity and mortality overall.
  • Mental health crises may be exacerbated by experiences of racism and inadequate care, leading to more tragic outcomes (Williams, T. K., & Davis, M. P., 2022).

This is a sensitive but crucial slide. Explain that while less common, maternal deaths due to mental health conditions, particularly suicide, are a tragic outcome. Emphasize that these deaths are often preventable and highlight the disproportionate impact on BOPIC mothers. Connect this back to untreated PPD and lack of support.

Towards Solutions: A Call to Action

Addressing Systemic Gaps

  • Culturally Competent Care: Training for healthcare providers on racial bias, cultural humility, and diverse mental health presentations.
  • Increased Access: Expand affordable and accessible mental health services, especially in underserved BOPIC communities.
  • Community-Based Support: Leverage community leaders, doulas, and peer support networks (Garcia, E., & Lee, P., 2021).

Policy and Advocacy

  • Advocate for policies that address social determinants of health and maternal mental health equity.
  • Improve screening protocols and follow-up care for all birthing individuals, with a focus on high-risk populations.

Discuss potential solutions. Emphasize community-based approaches, culturally sensitive screening tools, and the importance of a diverse healthcare workforce. Encourage the audience, as future counselors, to consider these factors in their practice.

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

  • Maternal mental health disparities in BOPIC communities are a serious public health concern.
  • Untreated PPD can lead to tragic outcomes, including maternal mortality.
  • Culturally informed, accessible, and equitable care is essential.

Future Directions

  • Continued research into effective interventions.
  • Advocacy for systemic change.
  • Empowering BOPIC individuals through culturally relevant support.

Conclude by reiterating the importance of this work and thanking the audience. Invite questions and encourage further engagement with the topic.

References

  • Chen, L., & Miller, S. (2022). Cultural competency in perinatal mental health: A qualitative study. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 69(3), 321-335.
  • Garcia, E., & Lee, P. (2021). Community-led interventions for maternal mental wellness in marginalized populations. Health Equity Quarterly, 7(1), 45-58.
  • Johnson, R. B., et al. (2023). Understanding the landscape of maternal mortality: A focus on mental health causes. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 228(2), 178-185.
  • Smith, J. A. (2021). Racial disparities in postpartum depression screening and treatment among urban mothers. Journal of Women's Health, 30(8), 1122-1130.
  • Williams, T. K., & Davis, M. P. (2022). Intersectionality and maternal mental health outcomes: A review of BOPIC experiences. Social Science & Medicine, 295, 112778.

This slide provides the academic backing for the information presented. Remind students that these are fictional examples but demonstrate proper APA formatting.

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