In May, we celebrate Mental Health Awareness and Women’s Health Month. This is a time to recognize the physical and mental health challenges women face after giving birth. At AFSPA, we are committed to promoting the well-being of our members, and this month, we’re spotlighting an often overlooked but critically important issue, which is postpartum mental health.   

Bringing new life into the world is both a remarkable and transformational experience, but it can also be overwhelming for many mothers. After childbirth, some women may develop postpartum depression (PPD), a form of perinatal depression, which can occur during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth.  

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 1 in 7 women experience perinatal depression. It is often the result of a complex interplay of hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and environmental stressors. Despite its prevalence, up to 50% of cases go undiagnosed, largely due to the stigma surrounding mental health and the reluctance of patients to disclose their symptoms. In addition to PPD, many mothers may struggle with postpartum anxiety, mood disorders, or more severe conditions such as postpartum psychosis. These are not just symptoms to ignore, they are serious mental health conditions that deserve proper recognition, compassion, and care. 

If you’ve experienced postpartum depression (PPD) during a previous pregnancy, you are at increased risk of experiencing it again in subsequent pregnancies. Being aware of this possibility is crucial. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early can make a significant difference in managing your mental health and ensuring you receive the care and support you need. Common postpartum mental health conditions can include:  

• Postpartum Depression: feelings of sadness, hopelessness, having little to no interest in things that you normally do, and/or disconnection from the baby. 

• Postpartum Anxiety: excessive worry, racing thoughts, and panic attacks. 

• Postpartum OCD: intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors focused on the baby’s safety. 

• Postpartum Psychosis: a rare but severe condition marked by hallucinations, paranoia, or disorganized thinking. 

Some women are more at risk than others. Factors that may increase vulnerability include:   

• Lack of social support  

• Sleep deprivation and hormonal shifts  

• Life changes, such as moving or a partner’s absence due to work travel 

• A personal or family history of depression or anxiety  

For families in the Foreign Service or government roles overseas, these stressors can be even more intense due to geographic isolation, cultural and language barriers, and limited access to local mental health resources. The distance from extended family and familiar support systems can heighten feelings of loneliness and emotional strain. Additionally, adjusting to a new culture, navigating different healthcare systems, and managing time zone differences when trying to connect with family and friends back home can all add layers of complexity. These unique challenges make it even more important for families overseas to proactively seek mental health support and leverage the benefits and resources available through AFSPA and the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP).  

As we honor Women’s Health Month, let’s remind every mother that their mental health matters. Supporting postpartum wellness isn’t just good for mothers; it’s essential for families and future generations. At AFSPA, we’re here to walk with you through every stage of your healthcare journey. You deserve support, healing, and peace of mind. 

You are not alone, and you do not have to navigate this journey by yourself. If you are feeling off, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself, talk to your provider, reach out to a mental health professional, or explore the benefits available through FSBP. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum mental health, don’t wait, seek help immediately.  

How AFSPA Can Help 

Members enrolled in FSBP can participate in various programs to help with mental health including: 

Healthy Pregnancy Program 

Our Healthy Pregnancy Program provides tools and support for every stage. You can get trusted information and guidance about family planning, maternity support, and postpartum care.  

With this program, you’ll also have access to:  

• Nurses who are trained in obstetrics and high-risk pregnancy  

• Behavioral health support, including referrals to resources to help with stress, depression and anxiety  

• Postpartum depression screening and support  

• And more.  

Our experienced maternity nurses and professionals are here to help no matter where you are on your pregnancy journey. The maternity program is optional and available at no cost to you. Your treatment plan is still in the hands of you and your doctor. Call 1-855-282-6344 (TTY: 711) between 8 AM and 9 PM ET with questions or to enroll. 

myStrength  

The myStrength™ program provides you and your covered dependents age 13 and older, evidence-based resources to help overcome obstacles of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder while improving overall well-being through a personalized evidence-based internet-enabled program. 

This program uses interactive web and mobile applications that deliver evidence-based psychotherapy models like: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) 

• Mindfulness acceptance 

Personalized inspirational and wellness approaches increase personal relevance, improve outcomes, and focus on total well-being. 

If you would like to enroll in the program visit www.mystrength.com select “Sign-up”, enter the access code “FSBP” and complete the myStrength™ sign-up process with a brief Wellness Assessment and personal profile.  

Care Management Services  

The Behavioral Health Program through the Care Management (CM) Program provides resources and support to help you address behavioral health conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, domestic violence and more. Our team can work with you to connect you with resources such as a clinical social worker, psychologist or other behavior health professional to obtain the right treatment. CM Programs offer you: 

• One-on-one support with a nurse or social worker who serves as a trusted resource for you and your family. To begin call 800-593-2354; 

• Group coaching on personalized health topics that is designed to provide health guidance in one thirty to sixty-minute class; 

• Digital support that provides a variety of resources to help you manage your health better. To begin using the digital support of CM Programs, log in to Aetna’s secure member website. First-time users will need to register and then go to your health dashboard; and 

• Customized health action plans based on your needs and preferences. 

Participation in the CM Programs is voluntary. The participant and their physician or healthcare professional remain in charge of the treatment Plan. 

Maven 

Our Healthy Pregnancy Program also provides you and your partner 24/7 access to Maven’s digital health platform and quality providers via unlimited video appointments, messaging, and classes. 

Your Maven membership includes support on adoption, surrogacy, fertility, maternity and postpartum care: 

• A personal care advocate who serves as a trusted guide to help you navigate the Maven platform and connect you with providers throughout your journey 

• Unlimited video chat and messaging with doctors, nurses, and coaches across 35+ specialties, including fertility, mental health, doulas, sleep coaches, pediatrics and more 

• Provider-led virtual classes and vetted articles tailored to your journey 

• Counseling and expert guidance via Maven Adoption and surrogacy coaches through different adoption and surrogacy pathways and key considerations in the process 

To learn more and join, visit mavenclinic.com/join/.  

Simple Step to Living Well Together Program (Healthy Action) 

Prenatal Care for members who are pregnant – Complete and earn up to $200 

• Enroll in our Healthy Pregnancy Program and earn $50 

• Submit documentation of a prenatal care visit during the first trimester and earn $50. To earn the incentive, the documentation must be submitted by your provider and include a copy of the prenatal care medical record including    

  Obstetric Panel testing, ultrasound, or prenatal exams. 

• Complete a pre-delivery call with a nurse at 28 weeks and earn $50 

• Complete a post-delivery call with a nurse four (4) weeks after delivery and earn $50 

You will need to submit a copy of your receipt with a completed claim form (Wellness Incentive Claim Form) found on Aetna’s secure member website. Visit http://www.aetnanavigator.com/ and log in. Then select forms and Wellness Incentive Claim Form 

AbleTo 

AbleTo is a web-based video conferencing personalized 8-week treatment support program designed to address the unique emotional and behavioral health needs of individuals learning to live with conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic pain or life events such as losing a loved one or having a baby. You will work with the same therapist and coach each week to set reasonable goals toward healthier lifestyle changes. 

There are several ways we identify members who may benefit from the AbleTo support such as: 

• Your nurses or clinicians may refer you to AbleTo as they work directly with you and can refer you if it is determined that you can benefit from AbleTo support. 

• If identified, an Engagement Specialist from AbleTo will contact you to introduce the treatment option. 

If you feel you would benefit from this program, would like more information, or would like to enroll in this program please call 866-287-1802 or visit AbleTo’s website at www.AbleTo.com/enroll. This program is available to members in the 50 United States.