Mothers need compassion, help

My heart breaks for the Clancy family of Massachusetts, where a mother ended the lives of her three children and then tried to end her own life.

I hope this tragedy spurs nationwide awareness and action that mental health services need to be part of postpartum care. A six-week visit after a birth to an obstetrician — where a new mom might be asked if she is having a difficult time or given a questionnaire to see if she is depressed — is not enough. Most women will not answer honestly because of the stigma and shame, or for fear their babies will be taken away.

Increasing awareness of the potentially devastating consequences of not addressing maternal mental health issues and knowing the resources available can save lives.

Here are some of those resources:

Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-943-5746, accessible by phone or text 24/7 and staffed by trained providers in English and Spanish

Postpartum Support International (PSI): postpartum.net

Helpline: 1-800-944-4773, staffed by volunteers and accessible by phone or text, in English and Spanish.

In addition, a Nevada State Chapter of Postpartum Support International has just been established to promote awareness, education and treatment of perinatal mental health issues.

We all can keep the father in our thoughts and prayers but also have empathy and compassion for this mom, particularly when she realizes what she has done. May this be the beginning of change to provide preventive maternal mental health services and treatment for all who need it. Susan Rush Michael, Henderson The writer is the postpartum support coordinator and a board member for the Nevada chapter of Postpartum Support International.