Today, September 10 is International Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day, and it’s time to talk about maternal suicide including maternal suicide reporting in the U.S.

The United Kingdom last reported that suicide is its #1 cause of maternal mortality.  Just three days ago, Japan announced the same.  

The World Health Organization, in response to the United Nations’ millennium development goals, prioritized maternal health and maternal mortality noting that maternal suicide is a leading cause of maternal death in developed countries.

Alinne’s story:

I am a mom, wife, daughter, and sister. I grew up surrounded by strong, independent women who were able to find success (broadly defined) despite adversity. Through my work as a clinical psychologist I’ve heard and experienced countless stories of sacrifice. I am an Associate Professor at Palo Alto University where I am fortunate to work with students who are pursuing their PhD in clinical psychology. On any given day I am working on a number of things related to their training or to my professional development. Two current projects that are very meaningful to me in this role are 1) mentoring first generation college and doctoral level students, many of whom identify as women, people of color, or both; and 2)

First in a series intended to showcase our board members and their story in the arena of maternal mental health care.John's "My Why"

Meet John, a 2020 Mom Board Member, and learn why John is moved to be a part of change in maternal mental health.

My name is John Smith. (The adventures I can tell you about my namesake are legendary.) I'm pleased to be serving as a new board member for 2020 Mom.

We’re introducing a new type of blog post based on your requests - to share “Craveable Content” - a summary of what articles are catching our Founder and Executive Director Joy Burkhard’s eye.

Depression is a horrific illness that affects as many as 10% of Americans at any one time. Depression is a brain disease that can cause confusion and distortions in thinking, as well as interference with basic physiologic functions, including: sleep, energy, appetite, motor function and more.

Brittni’s story:

Brittni was thirty-eight weeks pregnant with her daughter when she had her first intrusive thought. She developed prenatal depression and then after delivery she experienced postpartum anxiety & OCD.

She knew about Postpartum Depression, but she also knew that what she was experiencing didn’t feel like it matched up with PPD. Her husband did a little google searching and found more info. When he told her he thought he found out what was wrong with her, she was both surprised and relieved: “So I’m not crazy?” “I’m not the only one?” She recalled saying. After this, Brittni had brought her symptoms up with her OB, but he had brushed her off saying good luck finding a mental health provider, you’ll probably have a four-month wait. Luckily, she didn’t stop there.

In one of the latest new articles about AB 2193, in Rewire News, titled "Could a California Bill Be the Key to Addressing Mood Disorders in New Parents?" the writer notes, "The bill takes a somewhat unique approach to this issue, and is one that could become a model for other states."