Feeling Overwhelmed? 7 Mental Health Warning Signs Black Moms Can’t Ignore

Maternal mental health is a critical but often overlooked aspect of pregnancy and postpartum care. Many women experience emotional and psychological challenges before, during, and after pregnancy, yet the stigma surrounding these issues prevents them from seeking the support they need.  BlackDoctor.org spoke with Dr. Shaenor Ishmael, a dedicated perinatal mental health therapist with over 10 years of experience. She shares her insights on the importance of mental health care for mothers, particularly Black women, who face unique challenges and disparities in healthcare. “I’m a mother of two and experienced my own challenges during pregnancy and postpartum—I realized I wanted to be part of the solution to help mothers navigate these experiences,” Dr. Ishmael shares. “I now have my own private practice where we focus on maternal mental health. We provide virtual therapy sessions for individuals in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.” Recognizing the Scope of Maternal Mental Health Challenges Photo courtesy of Dr. Shaenor Ishmael One of the most eye-opening statistics Dr. Ishamel notes is that one in five women experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD) at some point during their journey to motherhood. Additionally, one in eight women suffer from postpartum depression (PPD), while 80 percent...