The Unspoken Privilege of Joy in Motherhood: Race-based Stress and Perinatal Suicidal Thoughts

Presenter(s)

Natasha Welz, DSW, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Doctorate in Social Work
Southern CT State University
Brianna V. Garrison, Phd, MSW, LCSW-S (she/her/hers)

Assoc Prof/Doctoral Program Director
Southern Connecticut State University

Presenters will discuss results from a qualitative study on Black women's experiences of perinatal suicidal thoughts and race-based stress. Significant racial disparities exist within the prevalence of maternal mental health conditions and suicide risk in the US. Social work educators are positioned to prepare practitioners to effectively support Black women.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:

Discuss racial disparities within the prevalence of maternal mental health conditions, specifically focusing on the experiences with race-based stress.
Describe risk and protective factors for perinatal suicidal thoughts in Black women
Identify culturally relevant evidence-based approaches to suicide assessment to teach within social work higher education programs.