Getting through depression or anxiety during pregnancy or after having a baby can feel incredibly isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

One of the most powerful forms of support is talking to someone who truly understands – another mom who has been there and has come out on the other side.

That’s exactly what Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers through their Peer Mentor Program. In addition to support groups, PSI now provides one-on-one support from moms who have experienced – and recovered from – perinatal and anxiety disorders.

How Peer Mentors Can Help

Talking with someone who has “been there” is different from talking with a doctor, family member, or friend. Talking to and hearing about the experiences of a mom who has experienced perinatal depression or anxiety — and has recovered — brings a level of understanding that’s hard to replicate. Research shows that peer support can:

  • Help you feel less alone and isolated
  • Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Build hope and confidence
  • Helps you stay connected to treatment and support

For many moms, peer support is the bridge between feeling stuck and feeling better.

What Is the PSI Peer Mentor Program?

PSI’s Peer Mentor Program connects you with a trained volunteer who has personally gone through – and has recovered from – a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.

“Perinatal” includes:

  • Pregnancy
  • The first two years after birth
  • Pregnancy loss or post-termination experiences

Your mentor offers one-on-one support, including:

  • Reassurance: “You’re not alone, and this isn’t your fault.”
  • Practical tips to help you to get through hard days
  • Emotional support from someone who truly understands
  • Encouragement to seek and stick with professional care
  • Emotional support from someone who truly understands

PSI’s goal is to offer insight, encouragement, and hope during a very vulnerable time.

How the Program Works

The program is structured, but flexible to fit your life, offering:

  • Weekly communication , usually for about 6 months
  • Communication your way : phone, text, email, or video
  • Thoughtful matching to select a peer mentor based on your experiences and situation

Over time, many moms say they feel less alone, more informed, and more comfortable asking for help.

Who is the Program For?

You can apply to be matched with a peer mentor if:

  • You are pregnant, postpartum (up to 2 years), or have experienced a loss, and
  • You are struggling with depression or anxiety – or you think you might be

If you are interested in the program, you can fill out the Peer Application Form on the PSI on the Peer Mentor Program page.

Want to Become a Mentor?

You can also give back by becoming a mentor if:

  • You have experienced a perinatal mood disorder
  • You have been feeling stable and well for at least a year
  • You feel ready to support someone else

PSI provides training and support so you can help others in a safe, meaningful way.

If you meet these criteria and want to apply to be a peer mentor, you can complete the Mentor Application Form on the PSI website. Mentors receive guidance and support from PSI so they can offer compassionate, appropriate help.

References

  1. Dennis CL. The effect of peer support on postpartum depression: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Can J Psychiatry. 2003 Mar;48(2):115-24.
  2. Fang Q, Lin L, Chen Q, Yuan Y, Wang S, Zhang Y, Liu T, Cheng H, Tian L. Effect of peer support intervention on perinatal depression: A meta-analysis. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2022 Jan-Feb;74:78-87. doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2021.12.001. Epub 2021 Dec 14. PMID: 34942447.
  3. Mansoor A, Drage J, Campbell M, Kousha KY, Owais S, van Reekum EA, Van Lieshout RJ. Effectiveness of Peer-Administered Interventions for Perinatal Depression or Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Psychiatry. 2025 Dec 8;87(1):25r15805.