Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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May 01, 2021
WHEREAS, more than approximately 23,000 Michigan women and their families are affected by Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) each year, commonly known as Postpartum Depression; and,
WHEREAS, PMADs are a public health issue that have a profound negative effect on women, families, and communities, affecting nearly 20% of mothers and 10% of fathers who have infants, and many more cases go unreported or undiagnosed; and,
WHEREAS, PMADs can appear during pregnancy and up to two years after a baby is born; and,
WHEREAS, although primarily affecting birth mothers, PMADs can affect adoptive mothers and other members of the family, including fathers, partners, and caregivers, and support from family, friends, doulas, and other care providers is imperative; and,
WHEREAS, mood and anxiety disorders during the perinatal period can impair the maternal behavioral response, leading to long-term behavioral problems among exposed children; and,
WHEREAS, PMADs can vary from person to person and can include a variety of symptoms such as depression, anxiety, guilt, irritability, anger, difficulty sleeping and eating, feeling overwhelmed, disconnection from baby, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and postpartum psychosis; and,
WHEREAS, the work of health care professionals and community organizations is to improve recognition, screening, diagnosis, referral, and successful treatment of PMADs; and,
WHEREAS, PMAD education is important to reduce stigma and is essential to improving the mental health of women and entire families; and,
WHEREAS, this month, we join with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to raise awareness about PMADs and support the efforts of medical providers, community agencies, and Michigan home visitation providers to assist PMAD-affected families;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2021 as Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Awareness Month in Michigan.