Data from The Harris Poll’s 2026 State of Maternal Health Report reveal that profound misconceptions and gaps in maternal mental health care persist. One-third of women (33%) hold the misconception that postpartum depression (PPD) always manifests soon after birth – with Hispanic and Black women more likely than their White counterparts more likely to incorrectly believe this. This statistic underlines a critical gap in understanding the onset timing of PPD, which can actually occur at any point during the first year postpartum. Further, about half of women (51%) are unaware that PPD does not typically resolve without intervention—a knowledge gap more prevalent among Black women (66% vs. 54% Hispanic & 48% White). This highlights the dire need for enhanced education and support systems, especially for these demographics who are at heightened risk for PPD.