Ad Council Launched New Maternal Mental Health Campaign
The national initiative aims to reduce stigma and connect mothers with resources for postpartum mental health.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Pregnancy
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The Ad Council has launched a campaign titled The Secret to Motherhood to support maternal mental health across the United States. The effort is part of the Love, Your Mind initiative and provides educational content in English and Spanish.
Why it matters
Maternal mental health conditions represent the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, yet 75% of these cases currently go untreated. This campaign seeks to destigmatize these conditions to help more mothers access necessary support.
Current public health data indicates that 1 in 5 mothers experience postpartum mental health symptoms, while 3 in 4 of these conditions go untreated. These figures highlight a critical gap in care that the new initiative aims to address through research-backed messaging.
The players
The Ad Council
A national nonprofit organization that develops public service advertising campaigns to address critical social issues including public health.
The details
The campaign utilizes a variety of media platforms including video, out-of-home advertising, radio, and digital content to reach a broad audience. By leveraging research conducted with mothers and clinical expert input, the initiative works to normalize conversations around mental health. Multiple entities contributed donated time, space, and audience data to facilitate this national outreach.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: The Ad Council launched the campaign.
Health Landscape
This effort builds upon the foundation of the Love, Your Mind mental health initiative to broaden support systems for parents. It marks a shift toward integrating maternal mental health awareness into wider national public health communication strategies.
If you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum mental health conditions, know that you are not alone and that treatment is available. It is worth discussing any persistent feelings of anxiety or depression with your doctor during prenatal or postnatal checkups.
The takeaway
Maternal mental health is a significant medical concern that currently suffers from high rates of undertreatment. If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to a primary care provider or an obstetrician is a crucial first step toward finding appropriate care.
Further reading
For additional resources on navigating parental well-being, visit Pregnancy.
More information
Access support tools and educational content through the Maternal mental health resources portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MediaPost.
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Do you feel comfortable being open about the emotional challenges of being a new mother?
