World maternal mental health day

Abstract

Introduction

As many as 20% of mothers experiences some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) worldwide. Women of every culture, age, income level, and race are at risk for PMADs with potential effects to mother and child.

Objectives

To promote awareness of maternal mental health and PMADs.

Method

An international task force met via online videoconference to make plans for the inaugural World Maternal Mental Health Day. The task force soon grew to include representatives from around the globe with a common goal to increase awareness of and influence policy about maternal mental health. This presentation will discuss the process, successes, challenges, and engage participants in future social marketing strategies for World Maternal Mental Health Day. International reach and impact will be discussed.

Result

Organizations from 12 countries were involved in this event, with twitter and landing page activity across the globe. A unique logo was developed and numerous organizations endorsed the event. An international social media campaign included a Twitter Feed “#Maternal Mental Health Matters” starting in Australia, Facebook page, and landing page. The first World MMH Day was held May 4, 2016.

Conclusion

Increased awareness will continue to drive social change with a goal of improving the quality of care for women worldwide who experience all types of PMADs and to reduce the stigma of maternal mental illness. World Maternal Mental Health Day will be held each year on the first Wednesday of May, close to “mother's day” and “mental health week” in many countries.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.