In recent years, postpartum depression has become a very recognizable term. Still, many women suffer in silence due to either the stigma that’s glued itself to conditions of mental health or a misunderstanding or inability to recognize their struggles. The month of May is a time to celebrate mothers. It’s also an excellent opportunity to acknowledge the importance of maternal mental health and the one in five women who experience such disorders like postpartum depression.
According to the Blue Dot Project, “Maternal Mental Health (MMH) disorders include a range of disorders including depression, anxiety, and psychosis and can occur within pregnancy or the postpartum period (together often referred to as the perinatal period). When left untreated, these disorders can cause devastating consequences for the mother, her baby, her family, and society.”
Whether it’s you or a loved one, there are resources for help, local communities passionate for this cause, and lifestyle changes to support your overall mental health.
The first step to healing from any MMH condition is to get informed. The Blue Dot Project and its sister organization, Postpartum Support International (PSI) are a fantastic resource to learn about MMH conditions. The purpose of thebluedotproject.org is to raise awareness of MMH and to lift any shame from stigmas surrounding MMH. If you feel you need support, www.postpartum.net/get-help/help-for-moms/ is a great place to begin. It’s free, confidential and the representatives can help guide you to take next steps along your journey to healing. They have numerous free resources including live, anonymous chat sessions facilitated by licensed mental health professionals and open to anyone with questions and concerns (dads, this includes you)!
SLAM Monterey’s Climb Out of Darkness Event on May 11
On May 11, SLAM Monterey is raising funds for the Parenting Connection of Monterey County’s Maternal Mental Health Program in partnership with Postpartum Support International with their annual Climb Out of the Darkness event.
Join the climb on May 11th at Fort Ord National Monument–Badger Hills Trailhead by going to https://postpartum.z2systems.com/teamMonterey.
You can read the article author Tara Tudisco’s personal story on maternal mental health and donate to this cause by going to bit.ly/climbwithtara.
For a lot of women, one of the primary obstacles to seeking mental health support is fear of what will happen if they tell someone about the scary thoughts and feelings they’re having. Thoughts about intentionally harming the baby. Thoughts about not wanting to be a mom. The specific thoughts may vary, but there can be a lot of apprehension about whether their baby could be taken from them or if they could be put in the psych ward as a result of disclosing these thoughts. This are very understandable fears but ultimately untrue. A mother (or father) who is having frightening thoughts, is concerned about them, and seeks help is insightful. Seeking help is a smart and courageous step to take.
Carolyn Bloye, PsyD, a Licensed Psychologist from Monterey says: “The second thing I think is important for new parents to know is that postpartum depression exists, and so does postpartum anxiety — worries about accidentally hurting the baby. Intrusive images of the baby getting hurt and ruminating about every possible thing that could hurt the baby and trying to prevent them all. These symptoms can be just as distressing and disruptive as postpartum depression. I hope new parents will know that these symptoms are common and treatable.”
From a lifestyle perspective, there are many habits you can implement to maintain your current, good mental health or to support you along your journey to healing. Keeping up your fitness per your doctor’s recommendation, prioritizing a healthy diet loaded with while, nutrient-dense, plant foods and taking time for self-care are generally inexpensive ways to maintain and help your good mental health. Physical activity and nutrition have a direct impact on mental health and practices like journaling, meditation (even walking meditation), and yoga can be powerful during pregnancy and postpartum, but also anytime throughout your life. Self-care can be as simple as carving out time for a lavender bath every evening. Remember that as a mama or mama to be, you are better for everyone when you’ve taken time for yourself.
Whether you’re newly pregnant or months postpartum, look for a supportive community to include as part of your positive lifestyle. Stroller Strong Moms Monterey and Stroller Warriors are great for keeping active and surrounding yourself with a supportive group of women in a similar season of life. As a member of SLAM Monterey, I know the positive impact of being part of such a community.
Alison Bogan, a yoga instructor for Stroller Strong Moms Monterey, and mom of three shares her advice: “For many moms, finding a tribe to belong to can help ease feelings of anxiety, depression and social isolation, which is why Stroller Strong Moms has been so amazing for so many other moms and me in the Monterey area. But we also want moms to know that there is help available if exercise and connection with other moms are not enough! We want moms and dads to seek help, to reach out to talk with a professional that understands what they are going through, or to seek help from organizations like the Parenting Connection of Monterey County or Postpartum Support International or any mental health professional. Many people don’t know that the Parenting Connection of Monterey County operates a confidential bi-lingual warm line (831-783-5933) and pregnancy and postpartum support groups in Marina, Pacific Grove, and Salinas. We want moms and dads to know that they don’t need to suffer alone, that there is help.”
MMH affects the entire family and your community. Moms and Dads at any stage in parenthood should know they are not alone, their feelings are valid and that with the help they can heal and enjoy their life and new, beautiful family.
Tara Tudisco is a Momtrepreneur who is so grateful to raise her family on the stunning Monterey Bay coast. You can find her hiking a trail, working out with SLAM Monterey, or coaching and testing recipes for her blog, which she shares at essentialstothrive.com.