Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month
Know the Signs and Seek Help
May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month worldwide. The mental changes that moms and dads can encounter — both during pregnancy and after birth — are often unexpected and swift. I know this all too well. Here is my story:
I experienced health complications during my pregnancy. Then, I had a traumatic birth. While laboring with my son, the doctor ordered an emergency C-section where I saw pools of my own blood all over the floor. Not even four months later, I was back in the operating room, to have a second surgery that stemmed from the birth complications. On top of it all — my anxiety was out of control. I was struggling with postpartum depression but I was too afraid to say it out loud for fear that my son was going to be taken away from me.
I didn’t tell anyone — not even my husband. It was hard. And I shouldn’t have tried to handle the mental anguish on my own.
May Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month
The primary reason why Next Steps @ Work exists is to support working parents and raise awareness about alarming issues moms and dads face during pregnancy and after birth. Our parenthood journeys, for both moms and dads, are unexpected and sometimes scary, yet for some reason, we try to face mental challenges on our own.
If you or your loved one are experiencing signs of anxiety and depression, commonly known as Postpartum Depression, after pregnancy, here is what you can do to seek help:
1. Let family and friends help:
Moms and dads tend to ignore common symptoms of postpartum depression and try to get through it on their own. Don’t be afraid to confide in the people around you and ask for help.
2. Connect with a medical professional:
Talk to your doctor or look for a licensed perinatal therapist and tell them the symptoms you may be experiencing. They will be able to provide confidential support, resources, and referrals.
3. Take advantage of available resources
There are several resources that can help ease your stress while caring for your newest family member, such as meal prep services, laundry services and housekeeping. Help doesn’t have to come from family or friends, just don’t try to do everything all on your own
This month is all about spreading awareness of Maternal Mental Health. If you or your loved ones need help, don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek help and take care of yourself. Contact Next Steps @ Work to schedule a navigation call today.