Revise the DSM to include postpartum disorders
The Issue
It’s high time for the DSM to acknowledge what so many women experience and endure. The wellbeing of families everywhere depends on it.
My name is Emily, I am a nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology who has personally experienced the challenges of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. I understand the aching invisibility that accompanies maternal mental illness. I've met and interviewed countless women who silently bear this burden too, often feeling isolated or judged, unsure if society even acknowledges that their struggle exists. We need to finally shine a light on maternal mental health by making a significant change in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
For those of you who do not know the DSM, it is a large official textbook that specifies symptoms of mental health disorders for medical professionals to use for diagnostic purposes.
The DSM does not recognize most postpartum illnesses despite known unique symptoms and hormonal components. The DSM, in fact, currently has postpartum mentioned ONCE in one sentence under the depression section. You cannot look up “postpartum” in the index, as it does not exist.
But it does exist.
And it’s prevalent.
And it doesn’t just affect moms. It affects children. It affects fathers. It affects whole families.
By creating a distinct section within the DSM dedicated to postpartum disorders, we would not only validate the experiences of those suffering but also underscore the critical nature of addressing maternal mental health. This move would lead to more accurate diagnosis, encourage further research, treatment advancements, more comprehensive training for healthcare professionals, and a broader expanse of resources for those in need.
Therefore, I urge the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and its board of trustees to recognize the depth and importance of postpartum disorders by revising the DSM to include a separate section that addresses postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum psychosis, postpartum OCD, postpartum bipolar, postpartum PTSD, and postpartum rage.
Please join me in this crucial initiative to bring postpartum disorders to the forefront of mental health diagnosis and treatment. Sign this petition for societal wellbeing, and to support women who, like me, strive for better recognition, understanding, and care.
To learn more about postpartum disorders please visit:
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The Issue
It’s high time for the DSM to acknowledge what so many women experience and endure. The wellbeing of families everywhere depends on it.
My name is Emily, I am a nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology who has personally experienced the challenges of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. I understand the aching invisibility that accompanies maternal mental illness. I've met and interviewed countless women who silently bear this burden too, often feeling isolated or judged, unsure if society even acknowledges that their struggle exists. We need to finally shine a light on maternal mental health by making a significant change in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
For those of you who do not know the DSM, it is a large official textbook that specifies symptoms of mental health disorders for medical professionals to use for diagnostic purposes.
The DSM does not recognize most postpartum illnesses despite known unique symptoms and hormonal components. The DSM, in fact, currently has postpartum mentioned ONCE in one sentence under the depression section. You cannot look up “postpartum” in the index, as it does not exist.
But it does exist.
And it’s prevalent.
And it doesn’t just affect moms. It affects children. It affects fathers. It affects whole families.
By creating a distinct section within the DSM dedicated to postpartum disorders, we would not only validate the experiences of those suffering but also underscore the critical nature of addressing maternal mental health. This move would lead to more accurate diagnosis, encourage further research, treatment advancements, more comprehensive training for healthcare professionals, and a broader expanse of resources for those in need.
Therefore, I urge the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and its board of trustees to recognize the depth and importance of postpartum disorders by revising the DSM to include a separate section that addresses postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum psychosis, postpartum OCD, postpartum bipolar, postpartum PTSD, and postpartum rage.
Please join me in this crucial initiative to bring postpartum disorders to the forefront of mental health diagnosis and treatment. Sign this petition for societal wellbeing, and to support women who, like me, strive for better recognition, understanding, and care.
To learn more about postpartum disorders please visit:
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Petition created on October 5, 2026