Yes, you read that title right. I have long been an advocate for postpartum depression awareness, understanding, and education. I’ve helped hundreds of mothers and families heal through warmline support, support groups, education, and therapy. I've written articles about postpartum depression treatment, about the spectrum of...
Childbearing Years Mental Health & Exercise The years of childbearing and parenting young children can be some of the most challenging. For one, the hormonal shifts that accompany pregnancy and childbirth can throw many women into a struggle with a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, like...
I am pleased to continue my "Many FACEs of DEPRESSION" campaign this month with Jami's story. Jami is a counselor, speaker, and mother of seven! Her story shows how depression can hit not only during hard times, but also how it may come unbidden when we most...
In this 3-part series we’ve been discussing Pregnancy/Postpartum Obsessive-Complusive Disorder (PPOCD). In part 1 we took a good look at the symptoms of PPOCD and why it is so misunderstood. In part 2 we discussed why PPOCD is so misdiagnosed and how to make a...
In Part 1, we explained the symptoms of Pregnancy/Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (PPOCD) and what makes this disorder the most misunderstood of all the Perinatal Mood/Anxiety Disorders. (If you have not yet read Part 1, I suggest doing so before moving on.) In Part 2 we discuss...
Beyond Postpartum Depression (PPD) Postpartum Depression (PPD) is the most commonly talked about and treated form of Perinatal Mood/Anxiety Disorder (PMAD). It affects as many as one in five new mothers (up to 20%), and can have a significant impact on the father, the infant, and...
As I often tell clients who are depressed or anxious and considering taking a psychotropic medication, “When you need it, you need it.” What I mean is, if medication is one of the tools that will help you feel well again, it’s definitely worth considering. But...
"Sleep Better, Cope Better": 6 Insomnia Causes & Cures Sleep is one of the best tools to improve mental health. It serves to restore the mind, gives us energy to handle life’s situations, and helps us manage our emotions too. Lack of sleep is associated with higher...