Perinatal Mental Health Healing: 10 Years of Support, Advocacy and Hope for Families (Ep. 480)

This is a special episode as we hit the 10-year mark of the podcast. It’s unbelievable, and it certainly doesn’t feel like ten years have passed! It’s a good point to stop and reflect on what we’ve done and how incredibly grateful I am to each person who has come on the show to share their stories and help us learn what perinatal mental health conditions look like and how we can offer more support. This information is what everyone needs before they even know they need it. I want to take this opportunity to reflect on how far the podcast has come and how far perinatal mental health education, advocacy, and understanding have advanced over the past ten years. This specialty has continued to grow within the context of how people find growth and healing. We’ve covered the basics and made people aware of the fundamentals of perinatal mental health, and the voices have only gotten louder in spreading vital information. Let’s take a look! Show Highlights: A look back at the very beginning of Mom & Mind The shift in language from “maternal mental health” to “perinatal mental health” and “PMADs” to “PMDs.” The need for basic information remains, letting people know what to look for. Diving into people’s lived experiences through their cultural, religious, ethnic, and marginalized lenses Our systems impact us, especially in how we become parents and parent our children. Deepening and widening the discussion to include everyone connected to the birth or loss of a child The myth of “the magical download” of parenthood People are more willing to talk about their shortcomings as new parents.  Scary thoughts are what you might be feeling—not WHO you are. We understand SO much more about what people might be going through with perinatal mental health. Everyone deserves highly specialized care for these 100% treatable and very temporary conditions.  The stigma of medication during pregnancy and postpartum, and how we’ve addressed it Your culture, identity, and lived experience are central to your healing.  One final truth: “The transition to motherhood and parenthood is a profound psychological transition. Peer connection is essential.” Resources: Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773.  There are many free resources, such as online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in providing services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course.  Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!  If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices