Why experts say parents shouldn't wait to seek mental health support – KATU

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by Vasili Varlamos
SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — In the wake of the alleged attempted murder of three young children in Keizer by their mother, local mental health specialists hope the tragedy can spark a different conversation: making sure parents know help is available before they reach a breaking point.
Anna Norman, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in perinatal mental health, says one of the biggest barriers to getting support is the stigma and shame surrounding parental mental health, which can make it difficult for people to acknowledge when they need help.
"I think a lot of people have a difficult time acknowledging for themselves that they're struggling," said Norman.
She says exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed during the transition to parenthood and the tendency to normalize symptoms can all make it harder for parents to seek help early.
Without early identification and intervention, those struggles can become more severe over time.
Her message comes as a recent report from the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health estimates that about one in five mothers experiences a maternal mental health condition, such as postpartum depression or anxiety, yet roughly three out of four never receive the treatment they need.
Norman says many people associate parental mental health challenges only with the weeks after childbirth, but the need for support can extend far beyond infancy.
"I think that's also part of the reason that people don't seek support because they're like, 'Well, my child isn't six months [old] anymore. I should have this figured out,' when in reality, that's not how this works," said Norman.
She notes that depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma, and other mental health challenges can affect parents at many stages of raising children.
She also points to stigma, shame and unrealistic expectations surrounding parenting as reasons many people avoid seeking help.
Norman says exhaustion and the belief that difficult emotions are simply part of parenthood can also prevent people from recognizing when they could benefit from support.
“I think a lot of people have a difficult time acknowledging for themselves that they're struggling. I think a lot of people have a difficult time acknowledging that maybe they want to go back to work or they don't like being home with their kids, or they're struggling with parenting in some capacity," said Norman.
Rather than waiting for someone to ask for help, Norman encourages family members and friends to pay attention if they notice a loved one withdrawing, becoming persistently tearful, showing signs of anxiety, or experiencing noticeable changes in behavior.
She says those conversations can reduce stigma, help parents identify what they're experiencing, and encourage them to seek support before challenges become more difficult to manage.
"I think it's good to be asking questions," she said. "How is a person doing? What is going on behind the lens that people might not be able to witness?"
She says those conversations can help reduce stigma and make it easier for parents to seek support before their struggles escalate.
Ultimately, Norman hopes parents understand that asking for help is not a sign of failure.
"This is a big adjustment, and you deserve the support that you need, and it exists," she said. "These are not things that are uncommon. They're just things that are often not talked about."
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
Postpartum Support International Provider Directory: psidirectory.com
Postpartum Support International HelpLine: Call or text 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) for information and local resources.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime or visit 988lifeline.org.
Lines for Life: Oregon crisis and prevention resources at linesforlife.org.
Oregon Health Authority Behavioral Health: oregon.gov/oha/hsd/amh/pages/index.aspx.
Oregon Get Help: Find information on crisis services, local call centers and behavioral health resources at oregon.gov/gethelp.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
2026 Sinclair, Inc.

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