The Importance of Community: Part II
Would you consider a disrupted support system to be a risk factor for postpartum depression?
One of the (many) reasons why community support for parents is so vital…MENTAL WELL-BEING!
In an ideal (frankly realistic!) world, postpartum parents would receive additional external support & extended time off granted for postpartum recovery following the birth of their child(ren). Over the past 2.5 years, support systems have drastically shape-shifted to navigate unpredictable circumstances due to CV-19, leaving many without reliable backup newborn support / childcare, household support, local support, etc.
We have all read & seen statistics on both postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety covered on social media. According to various bodies of research, anywhere from 1 in 7-10 women will experience postpartum depression following birth.(1) It’s also been estimated that approximately 50% of mothers with postpartum depression are not diagnosed by a healthcare professional. (1)
Whether your friend, neighbor, or a beloved family member has postpartum depression OR is exhibiting a change in mood or behavior, one of the most important things to do during that period of time is to demonstrate support, encouragement, and to be nonjudgmental. It can be very difficult for people to reach out if they feel like they are being judged either silently or outright.
What are some of my favorite resources for parents who are struggling to find community and / or may be looking fo additional therapeutic support?
Here are 5 resources to utilize if you or someone you know needs additional support as a postpartum parent:
Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net
PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773 #1 En Español or #2 English
Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (EN), text en Español: 971-203-7773
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/help
NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET.
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email us at helpline@nami.orgPerinatal Support Washington: https://perinatalsupport.org
Need help? Call or text our toll free peer support line (se habla español).
1-888-404-7763
The Family Help Line: http://www.parenttrust.org/for-families/call-fhl/ Call: 1-800-932-HOPE (4673) in Washington State
It’s not just therapy that is the answer here. It’s adequate resourcing, accessibility, equity, and feeling like you are DESERVING of support.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing concerning symptoms, please connect with a licensed mental health professional or healthcare professional to discuss in more detail.
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Disclaimer: The information on this platform is not intended or implied to be a substitute for personal professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All Parent Suitcase website & Parent Suitcase social media platform content including text, graphics, images, and information is for general information purposes only & does not replace clinical consultation with your own doctor/mental health professional.
Sources:
https://www.postpartumdepression.org/resources/statistics/