Parenting and Mental Health

Parenting and Mental Health
Loved Ones and Supporters
People with Mental Health Conditions
Youth and Young Adults
Military Veterans and Active Service Members
Cultural and Personal Indentity
Frontline Workers

Guide to Maternal & New Parent Mental Health

The journey to parenthood is a life-changing experience, filled with moments of joy, love, and personal growth. However, it can also be a period of significant stress, anxiety, and emotional adjustment. Pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a newborn bring physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes that can profoundly affect mental health.

As one parent shared in an AMF Blog post about her experience with postpartum depression:

“Daily routines become irrelevant, sleep is sporadic and scarce, and guilt can take over in ways it never did before. Our old, familiar lives vanish. Like our babies, we’re born into a new way of life, and it can take a while to adjust and adapt.”

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and behave, as well as how we manage stress, connect with others, and make decisions. Maternal mental health—also referred to as the perinatal period—specifically relates to mental well-being during pregnancy and up to 18–24 months after childbirth.

Key Facts on Maternal & New Parent Mental Health

Each year, approximately 500,000 pregnant women in Bangladesh experience a mental health condition before or during pregnancy.
As many as 75% of pregnant individuals with mental health symptoms do not receive treatment.
Adverse childhood experiences can increase the risk of prenatal depression, particularly among low-income women.
1 in 10 men experience postpartum depression.

Who Is Affected?

Maternal and new parent mental health challenges can impact anyone—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or socioeconomic status. This includes:

Expecting and new mothers, including teens and young adults
Nonbinary and transgender birth parents
Non-birthing partners and adoptive parents

What You’ll Find in This Guide

This resource provides practical, inclusive, and evidence-based information, including:

Strategies for managing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bipolar disorder before, during, and after pregnancy.
Treatment options, including the safe use of medications throughout the perinatal period.
Self-care practices to nurture emotional well-being, such as mindfulness, stress management techniques, and restorative rest.
Building a support network—from family and friends to peer groups, therapists, and community programs.

You Are Not Alone

Millions of parents navigate the emotional complexities of pregnancy and early parenthood. Support and recovery are possible with the right help. As another parent expressed in an AMF Blog post:

“I understood intimately how some people might not even know that there is a path to recovery — that we just need the right help to get there.”

This guide aims to empower you with knowledge, resources, and encouragement as you care for both your child and your own mental health during this extraordinary stage of life.

Loved Ones and Supporters

When a friend or family member is living with a mental health condition, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Each year, millions of people in the United States experience mental health conditions, and family members, friends, and caregivers often play a vital role in offering support and encouragement. It is common for those in a caregiving role to share similar concerns, questions, and uncertainties.

You may find yourself trying to assist a loved one who does not have access to care or is reluctant to seek help. Alternatively, you may be looking for guidance on how to support someone who has been hospitalized or has recently experienced a mental health crisis.

The impact of mental illness often extends beyond immediate family, touching friends, educators, neighbors, colleagues, and others in the community. In this context, the term family member or caregiver refers to anyone providing emotional, financial, or practical support to a person living with a mental health condition. Whether your involvement is extensive or occasional, understanding the challenges and needs associated with mental illness can help you provide more effective and compassionate support.

People with Mental Health Coinditons

DEPRESSION MATTERS

Stress and Depression

Stress can be mental or physical.
There are different kinds of stress that can lead to depression, including:

Sudden loss of a close one
Childhood trauma or massive abuse
Dysfunctional family with abusive parents
Starvation or unstable lifestyles
Marriage breakdown or dysfunctional relationships
Mental breakdown with no hope or purpose
Bullying at school, college, or on social media
Study or career stress
Identity crisis or validation stress
Starvation and hunger stress
Outer chaos from everyday activities
Stress from corruption or social injustice
Female stress due to childbirth, hormonal cycles, or menopause

Biological Causes and Hormonal Factors

Studies show that about 20% of depression originates from thyroid hormones, which affect metabolism.
If a person faces four or more major stressors, they are at risk of developing major depression.

Chronic inflammation or prolonged pain can lead to long-term depression.
Blood tests (e.g., hepatitis B or C, thyroid function) can detect inflammation.
Omega-3, krill oil, or fish oils (1000–2000 mg EPA/day) help reduce inflammation.
EPA is found in fatty fish and fish skin. Cod liver oil is also beneficial.
High-carbohydrate diets increase tryptophan, which raises serotonin levels — sometimes linked to depression.
Exercise (150–180 minutes weekly) helps regulate serotonin, reducing depressive episodes.

Cortisol, a stress hormone, stimulates serotonin and can worsen depression.
Genetic susceptibility may also heighten response to stress hormones.

Drive and Motivation Understanding

Generative Drive: Represents perseverance, patience, and joy in small acts — such as nurturing a puppy, walking in the woods, or spending time with children.
Pleasure or Aggressive Drive: Lack of self-discipline can cause imbalance.

Dopamine regulates our sensations of happiness and reward.
Overpursuing pleasure (through drugs, alcohol, or other addictions) reduces dopamine and leads to imbalance.
To reset, one must slow down and reduce pleasure-seeking behaviors.

Recognition and Recovery

Acknowledging depression is the first step.
Denial and ego often prevent individuals from seeking help.
Open and sincere communication is essential.

Simple Steps Toward Healing

Create hobbies (gardening, cooking, painting)
Eat balanced diets (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, less rice)
Walk 30 minutes daily
Keep your home neat, cozy, and peaceful
Dress nicely and maintain hygiene
Spend time with loved ones and join peer groups
Give charity and engage in good deeds
Perform Islamic rituals and say to Allah SWT: “Thank You.”

When people lose hope, they isolate themselves — like a candle slowly fading.
This emotional pain often spreads to family and society, with children becoming silent victims who carry the pain throughout life.

Managing Stress and Agitation

Physiological Sigh: Take deep breaths, inhale longer, exhale slowly to calm quickly.
Short-Term Stress: Sometimes beneficial; adrenaline helps fight infection and boosts immunity.
Medium-Term Stress: Exercise and cold showers can balance adrenaline.
Long-Term Stress: Leads to chronic depression and must be managed carefully.

Placebo and Belief Effects

Effects such as placebo, nocebo, hypnosis, and belief influence brain chemistry.
Strong belief or expectation can enhance recovery by regulating dopamine and adrenaline.

Islamic Perspective

A common misconception says: “If you have Imaan, you can’t be depressed.”
This is false. Even Prophet Muhammad (SAW) experienced sadness and depression.

Qur’anic Reference

[Al-Baqara:155]
“And most certainly shall We try you by means of danger, and hunger, and loss of worldly goods, of lives, and of fruits. But give glad tidings unto those who are patient in adversity.”

True believers accept that life is a test.
Like the people of Gaza, they say even in tragedy: “My Lord is still with me.”

Prophetic Examples

The Year of Sorrow: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) lost his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and his uncle Abu Talib, leading to deep grief and hardship.
Despite pain, humiliation, and tears, the Prophet (SAW) never cursed or lost faith — he trusted Allah SWT completely.
Prophet Yaqub (AS) grieved for 18 years over his son Yusuf (AS) yet never gave up hope.

Cultural and Superstitious Practices in Bangladesh

Many outdated superstitions misguide mental health treatment:

Use of tabij, jhar fook, or jin rituals without scientific or spiritual basis

These act like placebo effects, sometimes giving false comfort or worsening the situation.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encouraged reciting duas and zikr from the Qur’an to relieve distress.
Faith and discipline, along with professional therapy, offer true healing.

Islam acknowledges mental illness as real, not as punishment or weakness of faith.
Scholars like Ibn Sina and Abu Zayd Ahmed ibn Sahl Balkhi recognized depression as a treatable illness combining spiritual and medical care.

Modern Treatment

Modern treatment includes:

Psychological therapy
Medication under psychiatric supervision

However:

One-third of people respond well to antidepressants
One-third get mild benefits
One-third gain no benefit

These drugs only offer temporary relief, not a cure.
Long-term healing requires lifestyle, spiritual, and emotional balance.

Loveless Life

A loveless life is a major cause of depression.
Touch deprivation — lack of hugs, kisses, or affectionate contact — worsens loneliness.

Studies show:

Physical touch reduces mental pain
Boosts immunity
Promotes emotional and physical well-being

Nature also provides healing through sensory experiences:
Touching rain, walking barefoot in woods, feeling the breeze — all restore calmness and peace.

Depression in Society

Urban people suffer more depression and loneliness than those in rural areas.
Rural life encourages smiles, greetings, community, and simplicity — fostering happiness and belonging.

Urban lifestyles often lead to:

Isolation
Ego and competition
Stressful routines
Lack of genuine connection

Depression worsens when individuals isolate themselves from family and society.

Love, Compassion, and Light

Human beings need love, care, and nurturing to stay mentally strong.
Money and fame cannot replace compassion or purpose.

Ways to Overcome Stress and Depression

Focus on brightness and positivity
Discard harmful thoughts
Appreciate life’s blessings
Practice kindness and gratitude
Reconnect with your fitra (innate goodness)

Final Reflection

At the end of the day, embrace the beauty of the universe and show gratitude for being alive as fully functioning human beings.
Brighten up your heart and soul with the light of hope and love.

Say with pride:

“We are enlightened people — Amra Alokito Manush.”

Youth and Young Adults

Mental health conditions often develop during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood—periods that are essential for personal growth, education, and building a sense of identity. Research shows that early detection, understanding, and access to appropriate care can significantly improve outcomes and help young people lead fulfilling lives.

This section is designed to provide practical, evidence-based resources for young people, parents, caregivers, and educators. It includes guidance on recognizing early warning signs, addressing concerns without judgment, and connecting with qualified mental health professionals. The goal is to ensure that young people receive the support they need before challenges escalate into crises.

Our resources also promote the importance of building resilience, fostering positive coping strategies, and creating environments—at home, in school, and in the community—where mental health is valued and openly discussed. By addressing stigma and encouraging open conversations, we aim to make it easier for youth to ask for help and for families to feel supported in seeking care.

In addition to educational materials, you will find links to helplines, peer support networks, and youth-focused programs designed to promote connection and well-being. Whether you are a young person experiencing changes in your thoughts, emotions, or behavior, a parent seeking to understand your child’s needs, or an educator wanting to create a supportive classroom, these tools can help guide you toward effective, compassionate solutions.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and by working together—youth, families, schools, and communities—we can ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

How Will Asking for Mental Health Treatment Affect My Military Career?

In today’s armed forces, mental health is recognized as essential to mission readiness and overall operational success—just as important as physical health. The Department of Defense (DoD) has updated policies in recent years to encourage service members to seek mental health care without fear of negative career consequences.

The DoD acknowledges that untreated mental health conditions can pose a greater safety risk than conditions for which treatment is being sought.

Current Policy on Seeking Treatment

Under the 2014 guidelines:

Discussing concerns with a medical professional, requesting an evaluation, or beginning treatment will not automatically impact your career.
If a provider must disclose your condition for safety or operational reasons, your career is not at risk solely because of that disclosure.
Changes to security clearance procedures mean you will not lose clearance for seeking help, including for combat-related concerns or marital counseling.

Key Point: Seeking help early is encouraged and is viewed as a positive step toward maintaining readiness.

The Risks of Avoiding Care

Avoiding treatment can be far more damaging to your career. Severe, unmanaged symptoms may lead a commanding officer to impose duty limitations or recommend medical separation.

A 2006 Military Medicine study found that 97% of service members who voluntarily sought mental health treatment experienced no negative career impact.
In contrast, among those who underwent command-directed mental health evaluations, 39% experienced negative career consequences.

Early, voluntary care provides greater confidentiality and control over your treatment compared to a command-directed evaluation.

Military Privacy Guidelines

Mental health care in the military follows the privacy standards of HIPAA and the Privacy Act. Your provider may only share limited information with your chain of command in situations involving:

An acute risk of harm to yourself, others, or the mission.
Admission to or discharge from inpatient hospitalization.
Enrollment in formal substance abuse treatment.
Participation in specific personnel reliability programs.

When disclosure is necessary, commanders are informed only of your diagnosis and recommended duty limitations—allowing them to adjust assignments until you are fit for full duties.

Tip: Address concerns early to avoid situations where disclosure is required. Ignoring symptoms may allow them to worsen, potentially affecting safety, performance, and your career.

Supporting a Fellow Warrior

Maintaining a strong fighting force is a shared responsibility. If you notice a teammate struggling:

Ask how they are doing and listen without judgment.
Remind them that mental health care is confidential in most situations and does not automatically affect career or clearance.
Encourage them to seek help early, just as they would for a physical injury.

Bottom Line: Seeking mental health support is a sign of strength, not weakness. It protects both personal well-being and mission readiness. Every service member has a duty to maintain resilience—physically and mentally.

Culture, Identity, and Mental Health

Our culture, beliefs, sexual identity, values, race, ethnicity, and language all play a significant role in how we perceive, experience, and respond to mental health conditions. These elements shape the way we express distress, describe our symptoms, seek help, and determine which treatments or coping strategies feel safe and effective. Because of this, culture and identity must be a central part of any discussion about mental health and mental health care.

Cultural perspectives can influence:

How mental health symptoms are understood or labeled.
Whether individuals seek professional help or rely on community, spiritual, or family support.
Which treatment approaches feel comfortable or acceptable.
The level of trust placed in mental health professionals and institutions.

An effective therapeutic relationship depends on trust, safety, and mutual understanding. Feeling seen, heard, and respected by your mental health professional is essential. This includes the ability to discuss your identity openly, knowing that your provider understands its importance in your life. When a clinician recognizes the role cultural differences play in diagnosis, communication, and treatment planning—and incorporates these factors into care—outcomes improve significantly. Mental health care should be personalized to reflect each person’s identity, culture, values, and lived experiences.

Advocating for Culturally Responsive Care

As an individual or caregiver, you have the right to advocate for your needs. This includes:

Seeking providers who have experience or training in cultural competence.
Asking questions about a provider’s understanding of your culture or community.
Requesting interpretation services if language differences could affect communication.
Bringing a trusted family member or advocate to appointments if it makes you feel more comfortable.

While it may not always be possible to find a perfect provider match, prioritizing a professional who respects and understands your cultural background can make a significant difference. The goal is to ensure that culture and language are never barriers to care, but instead become assets in the recovery process.

Your culture can be a powerful source of strength—offering shared values, community connections, faith and spirituality, resilience, strong family bonds, and pride in your heritage. By integrating these strengths into treatment, recovery can feel more authentic, empowering, and sustainable.

Supporting the Mental Health of Frontline Professionals

Frontline professionals face unique and demanding challenges every day. Whether protecting communities, caring for patients, or working long, unpredictable shifts, those in health care and public safety often experience significant stress.

The cumulative effects of chronic stress, exposure to trauma, and the demands of shift work can be overwhelming and may impact your mental well-being. If you are struggling, know that you are not alone.

AMF Frontline Wellness is here to support you. This program offers resources and tools tailored specifically for public safety and health care professionals—as well as their families—to help navigate the mental health challenges that can arise in these fields.

On this site, you will find:

Peer support opportunities
Confidential, professional assistance
Resilience-building strategies
Support for family members
Guidance on recognizing signs of a mental health crisis
Information on alcohol and substance use
Comprehensive wellness resources

In addition, AMF State Organizations and Affiliates actively provide local education, support, and resources to assist public safety and health care professionals, agencies, and organizations in understanding and addressing mental health needs. Contact your local AMF to learn more about services in your area.

Your courage and dedication safeguard the health and safety of others. Your own mental health is equally important—and we are here to stand beside you.

AMF is proud to partner with ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare to strengthen mental health support for frontline public safety and health care professionals. We extend our gratitude to all our partners for making this initiative possible.