While perinatal mental health disorders affect millions, military families encounter added layers of stress that can further elevate risk and reduce access to care. Extended periods of separation can lead to increased caregiver burden and emotional distress for the at-home parent. Frequent relocations disrupt continuity of care and systems of social support. Military-affiliated families experience negative career impacts and financial challenges arising from disrupted employment, which can further compound difficulties.
Challenges Faced by Military Families
Deployment | Relocation | Financial Strain | Lack of Awareness
These factors can significantly impact perinatal mental health, infant development, and overall family well-being. Moreover, families may face challenges regarding childcare, housing, and educational opportunities during and after a PCS (Permanent Change of Station).
PSI Resources and Programs
When life feels uncertain and military families find themselves disconnected from support and are seeking help, Postpartum Support International offers a range of programs and resources that are available to support them during the perinatal period. These include:
Call or Text our HelpLine
1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) #1 En Español or #2 English
Text in English: 800-944-4773
Text en Español: 971-203-7773
The HelpLine will provide you with support and resources. You will be asked to leave a confidential message and a trained and caring volunteer will return your call or text.
Peer Mentor Program
This program thoughtfully matches individuals recovering from Perinatal Mental Health Disorders with trained volunteers who have lived through and recovered from similar experiences, fostering a safe, supportive, and trusting peer-to-peer environment.
Specialized Support Coordination
PSI has trained volunteers who offer to provide specialized support for parents who are associated with each branch of the Military. They understand the unique challenges of being Active Duty or affiliated with the Military and being a parent at the same time.
Virtual Support Groups
PSI has over 50 specialized support groups to meet the unique needs of Military-affiliated families — including a group focused on military families.
Find a Provider
Visit the PSI online directory to find qualified perinatal mental health professionals and groups in the United States and Canada. Can search the Provider Directory by Tricare or Military Families by using the search bar on the left.
Other Resources
Connect by PSI
Download our free app “Connect by PSI” in your app store to access PSI support, resources, and information in the palm of your hand.
Join our PPD Forum (Smart Patients)
We’ve partnered with @smartpatientscommunity, an online forum for those affected by #PPD. You can join the community for free to share, interact, and learn from peers in a safe, supportive environment.
Facebook Group
PSI moderates a closed Facebook group, where you can connect with others, share your questions and concerns, get peer support, and offer your support to others. A closed group simply means that our administrator approves your request to join and posts are not visible to the public, only to members of the group.
Helpful Resources & Links
Become a Volunteer
If you would like to volunteer to provide support or resources to military families, please contact Melissa Bentley at coordinators@postpartum.net.
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