Maternal Mental Health Research Collaborative
Maternal Mental Health Research Collaborative
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MMHRC Blog

“The Monster” of Postpartum Psychosis: Rachel’s Story

Trigger warning: Suicidality, psychosis, and mania “I don’t feel like myself,” I told my doctor at four months postpartum. “I don’t want to do anything. Nothing feels right. And…” The tears threatened to squeeze out from between my eyelids. “And I have thoughts of hurting my baby.” The doctor stared at me coldly for a…

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How Receiving a Diagnosis of Postpartum Depression Saved My Life – Megan’s Story

I’m a 38-year-old suburban soccer mom who’s soft in all the wrong places and could never be mistaken for Britney Spears. Except when I look at photos of her as a young mom, tears in her eyes, looking trapped and alone, all I see is me. Finding Common Ground With Britney Spears Britney and I…

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Self-Care Practices You Must Try to Bust Holiday Stress

Self-care has become a buzzword in 2020 and for good reason… we’re all exhausted. Self-care… these words can seem hollow to an already tired mom with little space on her to-do list left for anything other than making it through the day. Too many of us have put ourselves at the bottom of the list,…

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Antenatal Depression is Common, But We’re Not Talking About It

Pregnant woman standing in front of trees

If you think there isn’t enough said about postpartum depression, just wait until you’re searching for information and answers about antenatal depression. Antenatal depression occurs in pregnancy and can happen at any time during the 40 week gestation period. The symptoms – like insomnia, lack of appetite, anxiety, restlessness, loss of interest and feelings of…

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After Postpartum Depression, There’s No Shame in Only Having One Child

Woman sitting on beach holding young son

After a nightmare experience with postpartum depression, anxiety and PTSD, I have one child and I’ve put the reproductive stage of my life behind me. I was blessed with a magical little boy who turned five only a month ago. His status as an only child will stay, and it’s taken me the last five…

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Medication Shaming is Everywhere and It Has to Stop

Woman looking out window, sad and depressed

Medication shaming and mental health stigma seem to go hand in hand. To me its always seemed that mental illness is slightly more socially acceptable if you’re able to manage it without meds. Those that do end up taking medication are left to tip toe around awkward conversations with co-workers and feel the scorn of…

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I’m a Mom with Anxiety and Depression and Here’s How I Manage Both

Anxiety and depression carry with them a lot of stigma and shame. Before I had my son I struggled with both but rarely admitted this anyone, even my doctor. I had a few failed attempts when I tried antidepressants and took up long distance running to balance my mood. It seemed to work and I…

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6 Good Reasons Why Moms’ Mental Health Matters

Women’s issues get pushed to the side, especially those that are about our health and well being. Whether it’s drug trials that only use men as study participants or a lack of coordinated resources to address mental health – women and moms are an afterthought. But this week – Maternal Mental Health Week – we’re…

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