Mental Health

About 50% of people who experience a mental illness, also experience a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) at some point in their life
About 29% of women with SUDs have co-occurring mood disorders, and 26% have co-occurring anxiety disorders.
Women with eating disorders often have comorbid SUD (~ 40%)
Common risk factors can contribute to both mental illness and substance use disorders.
- Some genes convey risk for both SUDs and mental illness
- Environmental factors such as trauma and stress can also contribute to both SUDs and mental illness.
Some mental health conditions have been identified as risk factors for developing a substance use disorder; people will often use substances to self-medicate

Avoidance - Mothers with comorbid issues are more likely to avoid issues related to bonding and parenting
Misinterpretation - Moms will often misinterpret cues from their babies. For example, when a baby is suffering from residual symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), and is thus easily startled and crying often, a Mom may interpret this as "My baby doesn't like me."
Low motivation - a history of trauma and past negative experiences can lead caregivers to feel worn down and may lead to low motivation.
Hopelessness - feeling hopeless is a symptom of many mental illnesses including depression and is common in this population.
Irritability - Irritability is also a symptom of many mental illnesses as well as withdrawal from most substances and can interfere with parenting abilities.

For more information on mental health, visit our mental health curriculum page.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-8255

Grassroots 24-hour crisis hotline: (410)-531-6677 or 1-800-422-0009

1. Greenfield, S. F., Back, S. E., Lawson, K., & Brady, K. T. (2010). Substance abuse in women. Psychiatric Clinics, 33(2), 339-355.