Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health conditions in the perinatal period (pregnancy through 1 year postpartum) can look different in women and men. In the Black perinatal space, symptoms are often under-recognized due to stigma, cultural expectations, medical mistrust, and systemic stress.

🌿 Women in the Black Perinatal Space

1️⃣ Perinatal Depression

(Linked to Postpartum Depression)

Emotional signs:

• Persistent sadness or numbness

• Feeling disconnected from baby

• Excessive guilt (“I should be stronger”)

• Hopelessness

Physical signs:

• Fatigue beyond normal newborn exhaustion

• Sleep disturbance (even when baby sleeps)

• Appetite changes

• Headaches, body aches

Behavioral signs:

• Withdrawing from support systems

• Crying spells

• Loss of interest in previously meaningful activities

⚠️ In Black women, depression often presents as:

• Irritability

• Anger

• “Functioning but overwhelmed”

• Somatic complaints (pain, migraines, GI issues)

2️⃣ Perinatal Anxiety

(Associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Postpartum Anxiety)

Signs include:

• Racing thoughts

• Constant worry about baby’s safety

• Panic attacks

• Hypervigilance

• Trouble relaxing

• Shortness of breath or chest tightness

In the Black perinatal space, anxiety may center around:

• Fear of medical mistreatment

• Concerns about Black maternal mortality

• Safety fears related to raising a Black child

3️⃣ Birth Trauma / PTSD

(Linked to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Symptoms:

• Flashbacks of labor or delivery

• Nightmares

• Avoiding OB visits

• Emotional numbness

• Startle response

• Irritability

Higher risk when:

• Emergency C-sections

• Feeling unheard during labor

• NICU admissions

• Experiences of racial bias in care

👔 Men in the Black Perinatal Space

Black fathers and partners often experience symptoms differently and are less likely to seek care.

1️⃣ Paternal Perinatal Depression

Men may NOT report sadness. Instead, look for:

• Irritability or anger

• Increased work hours to avoid home stress

• Emotional withdrawal

• Substance use increase

• Risk-taking behaviors

• Feeling inadequate as a provider

2️⃣ Paternal Anxiety

• Financial pressure fears

• Overprotectiveness

• Sleep disturbance

• Constant problem-solving mode

• Somatic symptoms (stomach pain, headaches)

3️⃣ Trauma & Racialized Stress

• Hypervigilance about partner’s safety

• Fear of hospital systems

• Suppressed emotions (“I have to be strong”)

• Emotional shutdown

🚨 When to Seek Immediate Help

• Thoughts of harming self or baby

• Severe mood swings

• Psychosis symptoms (confusion, paranoia, hallucinations)(See Postpartum Psychosis)

This is a medical emergency.

🖤 Why This Matters in the Black Perinatal Space

• Black women are less likely to be screened.

• Black fathers are rarely assessed.

• Symptoms are often mislabeled as “strong personality” or “attitude.”

• Cultural expectations of resilience delay care.

Mental health symptoms are NOT weakness. They are treatable medical conditions.

Kesha Nelson, PhD, MSN/Ed, RN, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC, ADHD-CCSP

Director of Mental Health – BLACK BERRY & JUICE

The BLACK Collaborative Inc.