Make Over Motherhood for Maternal Mental Health
This year’s campaigns replace unrealistic expectations with stories of truth
Maternal Mental Health Week is April 29 to May 6, 2019, with May 1 being World Maternal Mental Health Day, the first Wednesday of May every year. As many as 1 in 5 new moms experience some form of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMD).
Maternal mental health is easy to ignore in the throws of early motherhood. Moms can confuse the symptoms of depression and anxiety with baby blues. Oftentimes, PMD goes unreported by mothers due to shame, and lack of resources and awareness. Without the right resources and community to navigate these feelings, tragedy can occur.
To combat these problems, organizations all over the world are promoting campaigns and events to educate and normalize the realities of MMH and PMD. When you’re going through hard times, finding help can be overwhelming.
Read on below for 3 resources you can use to learn more about and get support. When you’re done, share this information with your friends and loved ones. You never know who might be looking for a helping hand but is too scared to ask.
1. The Blue Dot Project & #MakingOverMotherhood
This year, The Blue Project’s Social Media Campaign is Making Over Motherhood. They’ve created memes showing three moms in cartoon form, with thought bubbles that expose their real thoughts during pregnancy, birth and delivery.
The Making Over Motherhood campaign is also calling on moms to participate in the #MakingOverMotherhood Challenge by posting stories and photos that show the real struggles of motherhood. From comical to emotional, the amount of stories that circulate on behalf of the campaign will only help grow its impact.
Interested in participating? Check out The Blue Project’s MMH Awareness Campaign or follow @thebluedotprj
2. Postpartum Health Alliance
We are so fortunate to have the Postpartum Health Alliance based here in San Diego.
Postpartum Health Alliance a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about PMD. It offers information, support and education to mothers, families, and the public.
Sometimes the first step is having someone to talk to. In addition to the wealth of resources available through its website and local events, Postpartum Health Alliance has a warmline moms can call to get support from a trained volunteer. Moms can even request to speak with someone who has been there before, and has better understanding of what they might be going through. Their volunteers can also help offer referrals for everything from mental health professionals to playgroups.
If you are struggling or have questions, contact Postpartum Health Alliance’s warmline at 619-254-0023.
3. Blooming Mamas Postpartum Support Group
Did you know — Babies in Bloom hosts its own weekly postpartum support group? If you’re a local mama and looking for a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings while learning better ways to cope, you’ll want to check it out.
Led by a licensed Marriage and Family therapist, Blooming Mamas Postpartum Support Group is every Thursday at 12 pm at Babies in Bloom. Children under one year are welcome to attend with mama.
