Reduce Maternal Suicide Risk with Emergency Resources
Executive Brief
- The News: 988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate mental health crises.
- Clinical Win: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7 support in 60+ languages.
- Target Specialty: Obstetricians managing perinatal mental health issues in new mothers.
Key Data at a Glance
Suicide and Overdose Cause: Leading causes of death for women and birthing people in the first year after pregnancy
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Postpartum Support International Helpline: 800-944-4773
Crisis Line: 911
Language Support: English, Spanish, and 60 other languages by request
Reduce Maternal Suicide Risk with Emergency Resources
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and this is a time for us to focus on maternal suicide prevention. Suicide and overdose are the leading causes of death for women and birthing people in the first year after pregnancy.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, confidential support is available.
988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If an individual is in an immediate crisis, e.g., in imminent danger of harm to self, others, or has overdosed, they should call 911. If they have an immediate mental health crisis, they should contact 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress and can provide information on prevention and crisis resources.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262): For non-crisis specialized perinatal mental health support and resources. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7, in English and Spanish, and 60 other languages by request, staffed by professional counselors, and refers to specialist perinatal mental health providers. It is not a “crisis line” for individuals in imminent danger of harm to self or others. The Maternal Mental Health Hotline Counselors can transfer callers to 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, as well as to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Disaster Distress Hotline, when needed.
The Postpartum Support International Helpline 800-944-4773 is a warmline that connects callers with support volunteers and PSI resources, including support groups. Those seeking help can leave a message by voice or text in English or Spanish and the Helpline responds within a few hours, during business hours. The PSI website, www.postpartum.net, provides information and resources, including lists of mental health providers and connections to online support groups.
Clinical Perspective — Dr. Abhishek Malhotra, ENT
Workflow: As I manage patients with perinatal mental health issues, I now prioritize immediate crisis intervention by directing them to call 911 if they're in imminent danger or 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For non-crisis situations, I refer them to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA for specialized support. This streamlined approach helps me ensure timely support for my patients.
Economics: The article doesn't address cost directly, but I appreciate that the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline and the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offer free and confidential support, reducing barriers to care for my patients. This is particularly important for individuals who may be hesitant to seek help due to financial concerns.
Patient Outcomes: By connecting my patients with the Postpartum Support International Helpline and the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, I can provide them with access to support volunteers, resources, and connections to online support groups, which can help reduce their risk of suicide and overdose – the leading causes of death for women in the first year after pregnancy.
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