After experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety herself, psychiatrist Funda Bachini, MD, realized that perinatal mental health conditions such as PPD and PPA are underreported and undertreated. A survey suggests that 1 in 4 new mothers in medicine experience PPD, double the general population rate. Tragedies in the medical community related to mental health highlight the lack of awareness and support for physician mothers. Structural changes such as paid family leave and increased education on perinatal mental health are needed. Physicians must advocate for policy change, increase education, promote risk factor awareness, improve provider-to-provider appointments, and make treatment more accessible. The culture of medicine must also shift to support parents’ mental health and well-being.
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Why Postpartum Depression Hits Physician Moms at High Rates
