PSI-GA supports mothers, fathers, and family support systems that experience PPD. Roughly four million births occur in the United States annually (Carberg, 2021), and PPD affects one out of seven women within the first year after childbirth (Carberg, 2021). Approximately 70% to 80% of women will experience what is referred to as the baby blues, while 10% to 20% of these mothers will be diagnosed with clinical PPD (Carberg, 2021). Globally, 17.22% of the world’s population suffers from PPD (Wang et al., 2021). While PPD generally affects new mothers, research has shown that one out of every five fathers, or four percent of fathers, also experience depression in the first year (CDC, 2020). Medical experts believe that statistical data is potentially higher than reported due to undiagnosed cases when symptoms go unreported and untreated (Carberg, 2021).
Contrary to the continued deterioration of self-reported cases of PPD, it is still widespread, and many women go undiagnosed and untreated (Ko et al., 2017). Undiagnosed and untreated PPD can manifest in sleep disorders, mood swings, loss of appetite, inability to attach or care for the infant, loss of interest in activities, and even thoughts of death or suicidal ideation (Ghaedrahmati et al., 2017). In 2012, mothers with self-reported PPD symptoms within Georgia 8.0% (Ko et al., 2017). Of the 8%, the highest prevalence was among women of Alaskan Native, American Indian, African American, and Hispanic descent (CDC. 2021.) This is a steady decline from the 2004 prevalence of 17.2% and the 2008 prevalence of 12.7% (Ko et al., 2017). Most of these mothers are in a lower socioeconomic position, so healthcare and insurance may not be available (CDC, 2021).
The leading cause of maternal mortality is suicide, and mothers who experience untreated postpartum depression are more at risk for suicidal ideation (Georgia Birth Advocacy Coalition, 2019). Within Georgia, 14.5% of mothers are diagnosed with postpartum depression (America’s Health Rankings, 2022). This is higher than the national average of 13.4% (America’s Health Rankings, 2022). The prevalence of PPD is higher among mothers under the age of 24, who have lower educational attainment, are unmarried, and have multiple stressful life events within the last year before delivery (America’s Health Rankings, 2021). Most mothers never seek treatment and consider themselves to have experienced “the baby blues” (Georgia Birth Advocacy Coalition, 2019).
These findings help to confirm further the need for universal screenings and treatment for expectant and postpartum mothers (Ko et al., 2017). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology recommends that any woman with a positive PPD screening result should have a follow-up and be seen by a behavioral health resource or receive medication to improve their quality of life (CDC, 2021). Low educational attainment and socioeconomic status (SES) signify that access to behavioral health resources is potentially limited (CDC, 2021). Identifying available providers in common SES areas or locating a provider that accepts government insurance or provides payment assistance can take time and effort.
Program Mission
The mission of Postpartum Support International of Georgia (PSI-GA) is to “promote awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting mothers, families, fathers, and support systems within the state of Georgia” (PSI-GA, 2021).
Programs
PSI-GA is a nonprofit organization that works closely with the Department of Public Health to provide resources to new mothers and families (PSI-GA, 2022). PSI-GA focuses on assessing the communities of new mothers and families to help support their needs after delivery. PSI-GA also focuses on bringing awareness to postpartum mental health disorders through programs such as Climb out of the Darkness Georgia and the Black Maternal Mental Health Summit (PSI-GA, 2022).
Both programs and their mentor forums and provider-led support groups connect to the MPH foundational competencies under planning and management to promote health and wellness within the community of new mothers and families. PSI-GA has successfully established two yearly events to bring awareness to PPD (PSI-GA, 2022). The first is the Black Maternal Mental Health Summit every February, which spans a few days, providing attention, resources, and support to local moms and their families (PSI-GA, 2022). The second event is Climb out of the Darkness Georgia, held during summer. This summit helps provide training and education to professionals so that they may identify and provide treatment for PPD (PSI-GA, 2022).
Community-Based Partnerships
PSI-GA currently partners with Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies and PSI central to connect mental health providers specializing in postpartum mental disorders to those who may experience or suffer from perinatal mood disorders and offer mentor support services through peer group forums (PSI-GA, 2022). PSI-GA has also partnered with the Intelligent Patient Community to establish an online platform for women affected by postpartum depression (PSI-GA, 2022). Potential partnerships with Community health centers, Perfectly Imperfect moms, Mothers tears and Mother’s care, and Georgia Parent Support Network could broaden the organization's reach and help more mothers and families.
Service Population
PSI-GA serves mothers ages 18 to 45, primarily African American and Hispanic (PSI-GA, 2022). In 2021, there were 12.753 live births per 1000 people within Georgia, down by 2.16% from 2020 (Macrotrends, 2021). Within the United States (U.S.), mothers of native Americans, Asian Pacific Islanders, Alaska natives, and American Indians have a higher prevalence of postpartum depression (CDC, 2021). In addition, new mothers below the age of 24 and with lower educational attainment have also shown a higher prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) (CDC, 2021). Georgia residents' additional risk factors include unmarried smokers, low infant birth weights, those in neonatal intensive care units, and mothers with three or more stressful life events proceeding with delivery (CDC, 2021). PSI-GA provides services to all mothers and families across Georgia who have or are experiencing difficulties during the postpartum period (CDC, 2021).
Health Related Needs
The current population serviced by PSI-GA has numerous health-related needs concerning postpartum mental health disorders. These needs encompass treatment and prevention of depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sometimes psychosis. Several barriers exist within the service population, and the community's capacity to aid its members is limited. The obstacles within communities range from limited access to perinatal mental healthcare services, insurance coverage, socioeconomic status, and inability to afford care postpartum.
PSI-GA addresses immediate health-related needs and access to mental care and support for everyone, including those in smaller cities and rural counties within Georgia (PSI-GA, 2022). The delivery of accessibility includes access to a psychiatrist or counselor and medication prescribers familiar with prescribing to pregnant or lactating mothers. Lifestyle and social factors that affect the needs of those suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) are also priorities PSI-GA strives to address by offering peer support groups led by community members with lived experiences and access to a database of providers trained in perinatal health prevention and treatment.