Last week, Governor Bob Ferguson signed a proclamation declaring May as Maternal Mental Health Month in Washington state to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage connection to care and support during pregnancy and postpartum.
 
The proclamation recognizes that over 80,000 babies are born in Washington state each year and emphasizes the prevalence of perinatal depression and related mood disorders, affecting approximately 20% of new and expectant parents.
 
It also offers an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the work we do while continuing to identify ways to better support our perinatal clients and patients. The UW PERC Center, directed by Amritha Bhat, MD, MPH and Deb Cowley, MD, is proud to have partnered with the Health Care Authority, Department of Health, and Perinatal Support Washington in advocating for this proclamation.
 
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are highly treatable with various interventions, including therapy, medication, support groups, and community services. By increasing awareness and access to these resources, we can help ensure that every parent receives the care they need to thrive.