APA Blogs
26 Results
Maternal Mental Health: A Brief Look at the Impact of Birth Trauma
For some women, childbirth can be a traumatic event often associated with birth complications or a near miss for maternal mortality 1. A traumatic birth involves a perceived or life-threatening series of events that result in severe injury or death of the infant or mother. This traumatic experience increases the risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after birth and can lead to challenges with attachment between the birthing parent and their infant
APA Announces New Events for Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
APA celebrates each July with a series of community-wide events focused on mental health equity for young people of color. Check out what's in store for this year!
An Upcoming Storm: The Persistent Impacts of COVID-19 on the Black Community
- By Dimitry Francois, M.D.
The post-COVID impact on health in the Black community in the United States has been severe and widespread.
Black History Month: Resistance, Accountability, and Progress
- By Rahn Bailey, M.D., DFAPA
As we begin Black History Month, we are both encouraged to celebrate and challenged to understand the essential role that Black Americans play in U.S. History. While this time is devoted to recognizing the experiences and successes of Black Americans, it is also a chance for government to take accountability for the role that it has played in the historical disenfranchisement of Black Americans. These commemorative practices play a role in the collective healing of marginalized communities. Further, such should emphasize that real progress toward racial healing has been slow, and equity is not shared by all Americans.
Decriminalizing Mental Illness and Promoting Mental Health Equity
A poll commissioned by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that only 1 in 5 Americans believe that those in jails and prisons are getting the mental health care they need while 75% believe mental health support should be provided for incarcerated people.Â