1 in 4 American adults live with a diagnosable mental health condition. One in eight women suffers from postpartum depression, the most common complication after childbirth. The mental health of each family member affects the entire family. And although mental health is closely linked to income, it is pervasive regardless of race or ethnicity.
Although mental health services can be effective, significant barriers—including access to care, fear of the stigma associated with care, and lack of insurance—prevent many from seeking services. WIC Can Help families by promoting mental health, providing information and referring participants to services when needed, and assuring them that seeking help is the best way to care for themselves and their families.
Here you'll find tools and information for mental health support, perinatal depression, and suicide prevention. Click here for resources addressing domestic and intimate partner violence.
Mental Health Support Resources
- Local County Mental Health 24-Hour Crisis Intervention Numbers
- Live Your Life Well offers “ten tools to help you feel stronger and more hopeful,” a depression self-screening tool, and a quiz on stress.
- Bright Futures: A Woman's Guide to Emotional Wellness aims to help women achieve mental wellness with research and information on coping skills, self-appreciation, finding balance and purpose, and connecting with others. Poster and special edition for teens/young women, too.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): mental health services, addiction treatment, prevention, statistics and data, workplace resources, legislative information, and policy issues, online and by phone:
1-877-726-4727
1-800-487-4889 (TTY) - Mental Health Services Locator for Community Mental Health Centers, which offer a range of mental health treatment and counseling services, usually at a reduced rate for low-income people.
- National Council for Community Behavioral Health Care offers Mental Health First Aid training for the public.
Perinatal Depression Resources
- Depression during & after Pregnancy: a Resource for Women, Their Families, & Friends, booklet: 24 pages; download in English and Spanish or order a free copy online. (USDHHS-HRSA-Maternal and Child Health)
- Signs of Perinatal Depression, poster or handout: 2 pages, color, checklist (Massachusetts WIC Program)
- Speak Up When You’re Down: 6 things every new mom & mom-to-be should know about perinatal depression, brochure: 1 page each English and Spanish (LA County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force)
- A Guide to Understanding Perinatal Depression and Anxiety, booklet: 8 pages, full-color (Contra Costa County: Perinatal Depression to Wellness Network, Health Department, and WIC)
- Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4PPD (4473) Telephone support warm line. Will call back within 24 hours. (Press 1 for Spanish). Also, info on support groups.
- Postpartum Depression MOMS Phone Support:1-800-773-6667 (1-800-PPD-MOMS) Helpline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English, Spanish, and other languages.
- Postpartum Dads: Online support for men whose partners suffer from perinatal depression.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): education about postpartum depression for women, families and providers, including patient brochures in English and Spanish.
- MedEdPPD.org: English and Spanish Perinatal Depression information and training for women, families and providers
Suicide Prevention Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Red para la Prevención del Suicidio 1-888-628-9454
- CA Dept of Mental Health: Office of Suicide Prevention
