MMHRC Blog
Mental Health
Antenatal Depression is Common, But We’re Not Talking About It
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…
Read MorePostpartum Depression & Anxiety Are Not Your Fault
I wanted to know what I could have done differently that may have prevented me from ever having to walk down this road. Why was I now dealing with a debilitating mental health crisis, while also trying to mother a tiny, helpless human?
Read MoreAfter Postpartum Depression, There’s No Shame in Only Having One Child
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…
Read MoreMedication Shaming is Everywhere and It Has to Stop
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…
Read MoreI’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…
Read More6 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…
Read MoreKristina Dulaney: Research is a Catalyst for Change
My name is Kristina Dulaney and I am ecstatic to be a Patient Expert Advisor with the Maternal Mental Health Research Collaborative. My background is in nursing and yet I had little education surrounding maternal mental health. When it came to my own mental health after the birth of my children, I lacked understanding and…
Read MoreSam Nenninger: Over the Last 7 Years I’ve Gone From Sufferer to Survivor
When I was handed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) on a piece of paper at my six week postpartum appointment, I remember reading each of the ten questions numerous times; slowly and carefully. “That’s it. I AM crazy” I thought to myself. None of the questions were like the jumbled ball of continuous horrific…
Read MoreSelf-Compassion Will Change Your Life for the Better
Self-compassion is a practice that maybe you’ve never heard of. We hear constant talk about self-care and the vital importance of “filling our own cup” first, before we try to take care of others. It’s become so popular now that there are self-care coaches, self-care subscription boxes (which are awesome – don’t get me wrong!)…
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