Postpartum Depression Resources
- Feb 28, 2018
- 4 min read
I often hear about moms who are in need of help, and they cannot find it. I was one of those moms. I was suffering, yet the help I needed was nowhere to be found. Every time we got close to finding support it ended up as a dead end. Talk about feeling alone! The healthcare system is failing us, and our families.
It takes a mom a lot of courage to come forward and speak about her challenges after the birth of her baby. Most, unfortunately will never speak up they will bottle up their emotions rather than talk about it. Let’s talk about statistics. The CDC shows that 10-20% of moms will experience some form of postpartum depression after the birth of her child. Annually in the United States there are roughly four million births, which would mean 600,000 moms suffer from a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD). Only 15% of those moms will speak up and get the help that they need. The other moms are too afraid to talk about. Studies show that the majority of moms will not speak up because of how other people will portray them. They are afraid that their friends and families will think of them as being weak, or being a failure. How sad is that! This means that 510,000 moms are struggling right now and are afraid to speak up because the awful stigma that surrounds PMADS.
I wish I could talk to each one of those moms and tell them that speaking up does not make you a failure, speaking up makes you brave and courageous. The sooner we as moms speak up, the sooner we are able to get the help that we need to move forward in becoming well again.
I encourage moms who have survived a PMAD to speak up and talk to other moms. In doing this we are helping decrease the stigma and raise awareness around these illnesses. When I was struggling I thought I was the only one. I had never heard anyone in my family or friends who suffered like I did. It wasn’t until I started sharing my story that more and more women would come up to me and openly talk about their struggles as mom. If more of us were open about our journeys perhaps more women wouldn’t feel so alone.
I compiled a list of helpful resources for moms and families who are looking for more information on PMADS or looking to get help. For more information on PMADs please visit www.postpartum.net they offer a lot of online support for families.
If you or a family member is in need of help in your area and you do not know how to find help I encourage you to reach out to one of the three Maine State Coordinators. The coordinator will offer you support, as well has connect you to resources in your area.
Postpartum Support International Coordinators:
Jessica Thomas (207) 558-2229 TEXT OR CALL jessica@ballastandbuoy.com
Amanda Brown (857) 203-0482 TEXT OR CALL amandabrownpsi@gmail.com
Martha Barry Midcoast Maine and Southern Maine Martha offers support in English and Spanish. (207) 774-6065 mindbodypsych@earthlink.net
Right now in Maine there is one active support group for moms and families located in Waterville. It is called the Tree of Hope and it is a free support group, and is held in the same location every Tuesday from 10am-12pm, and the last Saturday of the month from 9am-11am.
Tree of Hope Postpartum Support Group Waterville Every Tuesday 10:00am – 12:00pm and the Last Saturday of every month from 9:00am-11:00am Medical Arts Building Conference Room (attached to Inland’s front entrance) at 180 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville For more information, contact Bridgette at 207-861-6091 or bgemelli@emhs.org
We have high hopes for our state, and by the end of 2018 we hope to add 3 more support groups! This will be huge in supporting our community.
The Tree of Hope has also expanded and now has a group that meets every Monday from 9:30am-11:30am at Eastern Maine Medical Center.
As I mentioned previously PSI (www.postpartum.net) has a ton of online resources. I will link them below.
PSI Warmline-
This is toll free number that families can get basic information and support, as well as local resources. Warmline messages are returned everyday week and is solely confidential.
Some moms may rather text to get help versus make a phone call which is why PSI added a Warmline just for text messages. Feel Free to text
Chat with an Expert
Wednesdays- Chat with an expert for moms
First Monday of the Month- Chat with an expert for dads
During these sessions you can connect with other moms and dads, and talk with a PSI expert about resources, symptoms, options and general information about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders from the privacy of your own phone. There is no need to pre-register or give your name. These sessions, facilitated by licensed mental health professionals, are informational only and open to anyone with questions and concerns.
Please visit http://www.postpartum.net/chat-with-an-expert/ for more information.
Online Support Meetings- This is a support group that you can attend in the comfort of your own home. Please visit http://www.postpartum.net/psi-online-support-meetings/ for further information
PSI also has a facebook page where moms can share their stories, and their struggles and get support from other women. It is also run by experts in maternal mental health and can offer some great suggestions to families who need help. Check it out at https://www.facebook.com/groups/25960478598/
I hope many will find this list helpful. Please share so we can get the word out!
Finally on June 21, 2018 the Tree of Hope support group will be hosting a Climb out of the Darkness walk to raise awareness for Maternal Mental Health. There will be more information to come about this event and we hope many will participate. For more information about Climb out of the Darkness visit the website. http://www.postpartum.net/join-us/climbout/
For moms suffering from Postpartum Psychosis or are suicidal/homicical need to be seen immediately. Family may take their loved ones to the nearest emergency room, call 911 or call crisis at 1-(800) 273-8255.
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