Baby blues, postpartum depression, perinatal mood disorder... ... ... let's talk.
Whether you are new to the mom tribe or one of our chiefs, I'm here to tell you, you are not alone. Being a mom is tough, it's stressful, new, challenging, lonely, and every time you bring new life into the world, you learn something new about babies or yourself. And, sometimes, you even get to experience new kinds of anxiety, uncontrolled or unexplained emotional swings, excessive worry, feelings of guilt or anger, or nothingness.
Don't worry, love. We've got a free event next week that'll help sort you out.
You'll come to learn that postpartum depression is one of those topics mamas don't often like to talk about. But, you should know that even though many women don't talk about it, postpartum depression is more common than you think. It's more significant than we ever thought it could be. And, it can sometimes last more than a year, indicates a study.
The study, done by the National Institute of Health, included 5,000 women and the staggering findings concluded that about 25% of women experienced "high levels of depressive symptoms" in the three years after giving birth.
While I will say that the stigma surrounding mental health is lessening, especially compared to the days when our mothers and grandmothers were raising their children, "it is still pervasive enough in our society to have detrimental consequences," says Motherly author Diana Spalding, in a January 7, 2021, article. "It is so important that we continue to discuss what postpartum depression feels like so that [women] can get the help they need and deserve."
And, that's exactly what we at Nesting aim to do.
We're opening the door and inviting you in to learn without judgement. We want you to share information with your fellow mamas. And, if you need it, we want you to feel comfortable about reaching out and getting the help you deserve.
Please join us as we host our second Nesting Social sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant. We're featuring Kaley Connor of High Plains Mental Health Center, who will share information about their brand new app and tools that can help women suffering from the mental impacts of being pregnant and becoming a mom.
5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 29 @ Thomas County Office Complex, 350 S. Range, Colby
RSVP: Call or text Nesting Owner Christina at (785) 443-0147
The first eight women who RSVP will receive their choice of a free mug. Must be present to win.
"We often fear what we don't normally see or understand, but mental health is not scary," says experts from High Plains Mental Health. "One in four American adults struggles with a mental health issue every year, ... however, recovering from a mental illness is not simply a mater of will and self-discipline. It often takes a variety of resources and supports."
"Again, if you have any concerns about your mental health, ... please seek help -- even if you gave birth years ago," encourages Spalding. "It is so vital that you know that these feelings are not your fault. In the same way that migraines or asthma are illnesses that we don't have any control over, postpartum depression and other mental health concerns are not something to be ashamed of. You are a good mother. You are deserving of support. And treatment is available-- and so effective.
We look forward to seeing you at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 29, to learn learn more. RSVP by calling or texting (785) 443-0147.