#PostpartumStrong, When The Bough Breaks and Maternal Mental Health NOW
Today marks the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, but for many women the struggle is just beginning. 1 in every 7 new mothers suffer from Postpartum Depression after childbirth. Despite these staggering numbers there is still a serious stigma surrounding this important public health issue. There is shame, fear and guilt, but there is little help. Join us as we break the silence in an effort to bring awareness and support to moms who are suffering.
SHARE YOUR #POSTPARTUMSTRONG PICTURE TODAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND TAG 7 PEOPLE TO HELP SPREAD AWARENESS ABOUT THE 1 IN 7 WOMEN WHO SUFFER FROM POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION!
When we started this journey and began reaching out to those in our community to participate, it became immediately clear why this, and why now? When we started asking women to take a #PostpartumStrong picture for our video, so many of them had this to say "Thank you for doing this, I believe I experienced this when I was pregnant, and I just never told anyone because I didn't know what it was I was feeling." Men said, "my wife went through this" Grandmother's said "I went through this, but we just didn't have a name for it back in my day."
As crazy as it sounds the stigma surrounding this mental health disorder is STILL so strong and needs to be lifted! Celebrities like Brooke Shields, Hayden Panettiere, Adele, Alanis Morrissette, Celine Dion, Courtney Cox, Amanda Peet, Gwenyth Paltrow, Kendra Wilkinson, Bryce Dallas Howard, Brittney Spears, Vanessa Lachey, Kristin Bell, Lisa Rinna, Amanda Peet, and most recently Chrissy Teigan have all opened up about their experiences with it, which has helped bring it into the mainstream. But there is much more to be done to shed light on this very common problem, and the more we talk about it, the more Moms suffering may realize there is there is hope and there is help, and they are not alone.
Connection and community are so important on this journey into parenthood. When we use those connections for good, powerful things can happen. By creating an online community of individuals young and old, single and married, men and women, parents, soon to be parents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, sons, and daughters, that lend their voice by posting their own #PostpartumStrong pictures, we hope to show the world and especially those struggling with or those who have struggled with Postpartum Depression in the past, that together we are #PostpartumStrong. So please, join us!
DO YOU THINK YOU MAY BE SUFFERING FROM POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
First, and most important, we want you to know you are not alone. What you are experiencing is not your fault and you are not to blame. You have our support and the support of those around you. There is help.
If you are in a crisis please call your physician, their local emergency number or the National Suicide Prevention Emergency Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. They are free and confidential, available 24/7 and have a network of more than 140 crisis centers nationwide. It is very important that you reach out right now and find the support and information you need to be safe.
You can also reach out to:
Postpartum Support International (PSI) provides direct peer support to families, trains providers, and is a bridge to link them together. PSI has a toll free support line 800-944-4773, online support groups, chat with an expert forums for moms and for dads, and a dedicated network of local support volunteers and coordinators. PSI worldwide volunteers provide daily support to families at no charge every day. Call or write for support, training, local connection, or volunteer opportunities.
The Pump Station & Nurtury: If you live in the Los Angeles or surrounding areas The Pump Station & Nurtury offers a weekly support group - to learn more please contact us at (310) 998-1981. Or you may schedule a private appointment to meet with Staff Psychologist, Dr. Jill Campbell.
These websites also offer important information on Mental Health and PPD
LA County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force , Postpartum Health Alliance, 2020 Mom, Jenny's Light, The Postpartum Stress Center, Postpartum Education for Parents, Maternal Mental Health NOW, The Selini Institute, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you live in the Los Angeles area, please join Maternal Mental Health NOW for a night of stories about the good, bad, ugly and even humorous struggles with new motherhood. Eight brave women are taking the stage to put an end to the stigma associated with maternal mental health disorders. Storytellers include: Nicole Blaine, Comedienne; Annie Korzen, Actress; Jennifer Seifert, Writer, Actress & Life Coach; Jennifer Kindhouse, Blogger; Markeyta Sandoval, Nurse; Laura Gutin Peterson, Writer & Producer; Paulina Lopez, Restaurateur & Podcast Host; Meridith Merchant, Psychologist. Tickets are $60 and include wine, snacks, stories and good company.
We also encourage everyone to check out the "When The Bough Breaks - A Documentary on Postpartum Depression" - This feature length documentary about postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis is narrated and Executive Produced by Brooke Shields.
The film follows Lindsay Gerszt, a mother who has been suffering from PPD for six years. Lindsay agrees to let the cameras document her and give us an in depth look at her path to recovery. We meet women who have committed infanticide and families who have lost loved ones to suicide. This film also features stories from singer Carnie Wilson, actress Tanya Newbould, celebrity chef Aarti Sequeira and Peggy Tanous of The Real Housewives of Orange County.
Do you know of a Postpartum Support Group in your area? Let us know and we will add it to our Local Support Group page!
Featured Image Credit: Klose Up Photography