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…
Read MoreThe Challenges Faced By Moms with IDD and Mental Health Issues When Looking for Health Care
It can be hard to be a mom. But it can be even harder if you have an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) and mental health issues and are looking for healthcare. Navigating the healthcare system can be difficult – especially when you face stigma and bias from healthcare providers. We asked moms who participated…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreA Black Body in the Healthcare System – Brianna’s Story
I have many identities as I navigate through the world. Through observation alone you may gather that I am wife, a mother, a black woman. You may make educated guesses about my status if you take note of what I am wearing that particular day or my mode of transportation. As I navigate my work…
Read MoreReflections of Mothering with a Mental Illness During a Pandemic – Fightress’ Story
It’s All Hard This quote resurfaced on social media recently: “Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard. Choose your hard. Obesity is hard. Being fit is hard. Choose your hard. Being in debt is hard. Being financially disciplined is hard. Choose your hard. Communication is hard. Not communicating is hard. Choose your hard. Life will never…
Read MoreAnxiety After Pregnancy Loss – Jackie’s Story
As my husband and I waited in the exam room at the OB’s office, I stared at the illuminated panel in the ceiling, showcasing a perfect blue sky with monarch butterflies. I know that the scene is meant to calm patients, but it did nothing to distract me from the conversation with the doctor about…
Read MoreSelf-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,…
Read MoreHow to Be Your Own Mental Health Care Advocate
When you’re struggling with any perinatal mood or anxiety disorder you need to be your own mental health care advocate to get the best possible care.
Read MoreMy Baby Is A Year Old & I Still Have Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is the most common complication of child birth, affecting upwards of 1 in 4 women every year. It doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone with symptoms that range from feeling isolated, sad and alone all the way to full blown rage and crippling insomnia. While each mom’s experience with postpartum depression is different…
Read MoreHow Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Affected My Relationship with My Husband
Having a new baby puts a lot of strain on a relationship, whether you’re married or not. The dramatic change in routine, your roles and the responsibility of keeping a tiny baby alive will test your relationship in ways that you can’t imagine. My husband and I had been married close to five years before…
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