Declare Maternal Mental Health Month

Senate Resolution No. 1646 BY: Senator KRUEGER MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious health conditions that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Over 229,500 babies are born in the State of New York each year and the maternal health and, more specifically, the mental health of women before, during, and after pregnancy is an issue of great concern to women and their families; and WHEREAS, Between 10 and 20 percent of new and expectant mothers are affected by perinatal depression and related mood disorders such as anxiety and psychosis; they may also experience associated symptoms, which are often overlooked and heavily stigmatized because new and expectant mothers suffering from a perinatal mood disorder often feel confused, ashamed, and isolated; and WHEREAS, Many at-risk women may not seek help because they are not informed about perinatal depression and related mood disorders as part of their health care because there is a lack of knowledge and use of screening and assessment tools, and because they are unaware of treatment and community supportive services for perinatal depression and related mood disorders; and WHEREAS, Heightened awareness and increased education among all residents in the State of New York regarding the incidence of perinatal depression is critical; and WHEREAS, Perinatal depression and related mood disorders affect all categories of women and teenage girls regardless of their age, race, or income level; and WHEREAS, Perinatal depression can have a profound impact on the family and significantly contribute to adverse developmental and behavioral outcomes and attachment disorders in the young children of affected women; and WHEREAS, Perinatal depression is highly treatable with therapeutic intervention such as medication, professional therapy and counseling, support groups and community support services including crisis hotlines; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.