*This article has been updated to included additional resources for Maternal Mental Health* 5/2/2021
Real Talk: If you saw my post on Instagram today (you can check it out here) I opened up about a pretty serious topic, postpartum depression.
According to postpartumdepression.org, a recent study found that 1 in 7 women may experience PPD. ONE in 7, that means approximately 600,000 women, let that sink in.
I was one of those women. After my youngest son, I was diagnosed with PPD. I’ve never been shy about my struggles with anxiety, but that is something I’ve had for as long as I can remember and over time developed skills to cope with it, PPD, on the other hand, was a whole new experience for me and it was one of the scariest times of my life. My anxiety that I could usually keep under control was heightened, my moods were all over the place, I constantly found myself in the bathroom crying, or worst just sitting on my kitchen floor feeling numb contemplating self harm. I remember feeling so alone and being so angry at myself for feeling sad when I had such beautiful, happy, and healthy children. These feelings often confused me and left me tossing and turning during the night. It took me a long time to reach out for help and that is why I’m writing this and starting #ThisIsTheFaceOfPPD. I never want another mom to be afraid to reach out like I was or think you are alone -you are not, especially during these times when we may not be seeing our friends or family face to face, I am here and I see you mama.Â
Below is a list of local Long Island and National PPD Resources and a brief summary of some services they offer.
Long Island/NY Area:
- The Motherhood Center of New York
- Telemental health appointments, webinars, virtual day program/support groups, and more. https://www.themotherhoodcenter.com/
- The Postpartum Resource Center of NY
- Toll free Statewide help line 855-631-0001, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screening Scale, and more. https://postpartumny.org/
- The Nesting Place
- A supportive place for moms that offers virtual support groups, educational classes, a Facebook support group, and more. https://thenestingplaceli.com/
- Birth and Beyond Resources
- Helpline 22-HELPSMOM, Facebook support group, & virtual MamaMoon visits. https://www.birthandbeyondresources.com/
- United Perinatal Support Coalition
- Coalition of 8 organizations offering support for Long Island Families during the COVID 19 Pandemic through 24/7 hotline help and more. 631-763-3122. Â https://www.facebook.com/United-Perinatal-Support-Coalition-107213480932867/
National:
- Postpartum Support International
- Helpline with call & text options, online support meetings, help finding local resources, free live phone sessions, resources for dad, and more. CALL: 1-800-944-4773 TEXT for English: 503-894-9453 Spanish: 971-420-0294 https://www.postpartum.net/
- Postpartum Progress
- List of resources and support by state and province– US & CA , informative articles, free downloadables, and more. https://postpartumprogress.com/
- 2020 Mom
- National organization with a mission to close gaps in maternal mental health care through awareness programs such as The Blue Dot Project and more. Â https://www.2020mom.org/Â https://www.thebluedotproject.org/
- Mental Health America
- Maternal mental health screenings, webinars, warmlines for every state (support telephone chat) & more. https://screening.mhanational.org/
- Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance
- Work with policy holders to address maternal mental healthy challenges. advocacy, resources, and more. https://www.mmhla.org/
You can also search the hashtag #ThisIsTheFaceOfPPD and #MakingoverMotherhood on Instagram to read real stories from strong women all over or join in and share your own story. You’ve got this mama.
Hi,
Great information! This topic is so important to bring attention to. It breaks my heart when I hear woman that have suffered through it and felt like they couldn’t get support because they felt guilty for feeling this way. Thank you for sharing your story.
Heather
This is such important information. I feel that PPD is not talked about enough and many women don’t know who to contact so they go through this alone. Thank you for sharing this.
Great resources and information !!
I love that there are so many resources out there for people with postpartum depression. It’s such a real and raw topic to open up about!
You’re so amazing for putting this together. I’m so grateful our paths have crossed! You’re an amazing mama!!
I’m 1 in 7 as well. It’s paralyzing and I hate to think how hard it would have been without support. It is wonderful that you not only shared your story but included contact information for valuable resources.
Great Information and thanks for being there for mommas who need to talk. It always feels great to have someone in our corner.
This is such a great list of resources for moms!
Thanks for this useful resource list. Although I’m not based in your country, I know it will be useful for mothers who need this help!
Oh my goodness, this post of perfect. What a great resource and experience. I am sorry you had to experience it
Thank you so much for sharing such valuable information and specially for the national resources!!