Postpartum depression is on the rise, and new moms aren't getting the treatment they need

Becoming a new parent can be both a joyful and challenging experience, yet for those struggling with postpartum depression, those early days can be especially dark. 

The National Institute of Health estimates between 6-20% of women will struggle with postpartum depression. While emotional changes are expected after giving birth, postpartum depression has longer-lasting effects that could impact one's ability to care for a child or handle daily tasks. Symptoms like extreme mood swings, crying, anger and hopelessness are common, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

Like other mental health disorders, postpartum depression is treatable and can be effectively managed with therapy and medication. However, receiving treatment is often a challenge, and became even more difficult during COVID — according to the Evernorth Research Institute, the research arm of healthcare platform Evernorth Health, 46.5% of women with postpartum depression received no treatment during the pandemic. 

"It's really important for us to understand this, because when postpartum depression is left untreated, it can have a significant and long-lasting impact on the health of not only the mom, but the well-being of the entire family," says Urvashi Patel, vice president of data and analytics at the Evernorth Research Institute. 

Read more: Why postpartum depression affects all parents 

The pandemic changed the healthcare experience for many pregnant women, and the gulf between expectation and reality could have affected a woman's emotional response during this time, Patel says. For example, not being able to attend appointments or, in some cases, give birth, while their partner was present could have caused added vulnerability for new mothers. Additionally, social isolation and increased rates of domestic violence during the pandemic was detrimental for women's mental health. 

Yet those changes to the healthcare system during COVID could now be a benefit to women seeking care. The widespread adoption of virtual care has made it easier to visit a primary care physician or therapist from home. For employers, ensuring their benefit plans cover a full spectrum of postpartum care is essential, Patel says. 

"Ensure that new moms have easy access to quality, affordable mental health care, and this can be extremely difficult for new moms taking care of their babies 24/7," she says. "A virtual care solution is a much easier method than going in person." 

Read more: How this working mom survived postpartum depression 

While employers are increasingly focused on the family-planning stage with their benefits, and around a quarter of private employers offer paid parental leave for new parents, the responsibility to care for new mothers and their mental health is one that cannot be overlooked. 

"If women are in distress, or having difficulty coping with their responsibilities both at home or at work, this can impact if they even return to work at all," Patel says. "It's a really pivotal stage in their employees' lives. Holistic well-being support, flexible schedules or work arrangements, lactation rooms — all of these options can be extremely helpful." 

While those accommodations are beneficial for all new mothers, a combination of both therapy and medication is the most effective way to treat postpartum depression, though the Evernorth Research Institute's research found just 7.5% of women received both types of treatment. Employers should make sure their benefits cover case management programs so women can get a diagnosis quickly, and receive the most impactful support.  

"Encourage employees to work with dedicated case managers for maternal health who are really trained to screen for mental health issues, and can triage their care very quickly," Patel says. "This is a real call to action for employers that new moms are struggling. Employees need access to effective behavioral health care, and really more guidance with experts who can help them through this period in their lives."