Panelists to shed light on glaring mental health disparities among black mothers and offer solutions to foster better care
The transformative journey of childbirth and motherhood often presents unique mental health challenges that require attention and support. While childbirth and motherhood also offer tremendous joy, there are often traumatic residual effects on women's mental health that are often overlooked and underserved in today's society.
Studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that black women are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing postpartum depression (PPD) compared to their white counterparts. Approximately 15-20% of all new mothers are affected by PPD, but among black women, the prevalence ranges from 38-57% revealing a stark disparity (Source: CDC, 2020)
Other research conducted by the National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC) indicates that black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to white women leading to increased stress, anxiety, and trauma among black mothers. The intersecting factors of racism, discrimination, and unequal access to quality healthcare have shown to contribute to these alarming statistics. (Source: NBEC, 2021)
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), black women face a higher risk of experiencing birth-related trauma, including physical injuries, complications during delivery, and feelings of powerlessness or loss of control. This trauma can contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and impact a mother's mental well-being during the postpartum period and beyond. (Source: APA, 2019)
As this information indicates, maternal mental health and well-being are significant factors in the lives of many black women and it underscores the need for more awareness, intervention and dialogue. Get of the Couch Mental Health Concert and Conference has gathered an impressive panel of experts to spark a meaningful dialogue to serve this pressing issue within black communities and forge a new path towards healing and empowerment.
Meet the Panelists
Maternal Mental Health
Chi T. Mathias is a wellness Practitioner and Community Health Educator with over two decades of experience, commitment, and dedication to building community initiatives that improve the quality of life, increase awareness, and transform lives.
"There are several perinatal mold disorders that impact women when they are pregnant and after they have delivered. It is my hope to not only support families during and after birth but to also help to minimize the negative effects of mental health. Healthy mind, healthy mama, healthy baby, healthy families."
Monique Knight is an author, mother, wife, healer and learner. Monique graduated from Cornell University in 1997 with a degree in African American studies then took a winding path to find her calling in mental health. She discovered the power of emotional regulation, coping skill building and mindfulness as a remedy to trauma. Her book The Secret Sauce:
Creating a Marriage That Lasts- The Workbook is designed to help committing couples learn the skills to build successful partnerships. Today, she helps emerging professionals
push beyond the norms of therapeutic practice to create monumental shifts and culturally
relevant change.
"I am a firm believer that our communities greatest challenges are challenges of mental and emotional wellness. We have all experienced trauma and carry that trauma in our epigenetics and I am committed to offering real world coping strategies to make life better for all of us."
Phontaine Thompson is a public speaker who speaks about mental health and suicide prevention. She speaks with high school and college students about suicide prevention and depression. She grew up right in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia where she struggled with mental health issues as a teenager and survived two suicide attempts due to being bullied in school. She is now dedicated to continuing the conversation about mental health and how important it is to the world. For the past 3 years Phontaine has hosted her annual conference called, “Women’s Mental Health Day”. Women’s Mental Health Day is a day filled with prayer, meditation, and relaxation.
"My goal is for everyone to avoid struggling with their mental health and to teach people how to take care of their mental health. I have had issues in the past and I want to make sure people are getting the right information when it comes to mental health."
Join us on July 15, 2023 at the New Black Wall Street Market for this epic Mental Health Conference and take part in highlighting the realities of the true impact of mental health disparities in black communities. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn the truth, engage with experts and understand the power you have to create positive change in our communities.
The New Black Wall Street Market is a 125,000 square-feet premier retail establishment and events center housing dozens of black-owned businesses located at 8109 Mall Parkway, Stonecrest, GA 30038. This decadent facility features the Pink Lion Jazz Club, Mattie's Tea Room, its own ballroom, a Greenwood performance stage, a Fine Arts District (Art Avenue) featuring world-class black art, an expo hall as well as Aaron's Gourmet Grocery Market featuring chef-inspired cuisine, and health products. To find out more about space rental and upcoming events, visit www.nbwsm.com.