This edition of I’m Listening brings men into the equation and focuses on the mental wellness of all parents. It is my hope that we will switch our language to be more inclusive and I prefer the term parental mental health.
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Attend a Postpartum Action Institute Workshop in Santa Barbara and meet Jane. PAI is created for individuals who are committed to confronting the stigma of mental illness and the mythology surrounding new parenthood.
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I’m a mom and grandmother who understands how you may be feeling. I want to offer you support because no one was there for me when I went through this, and I want you to have a better experience.
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Embrace the Gaps in Your Past and Present
My intention is to listen to your stories and validate your experiences and feelings. My primary goal is to acknowledge and encourage you to find those who share how you feel and to support your dream to connect meaningfully with others. I am excited to share my four decades of life experience, research and insights that will guide you to make a confident impact in your life and your community. I will provide affirmation, guidance and support, along with practical and proven strategies to navigate you through your life challenges. Everyone needs reassurance and clarity to create a vision for their life and to feel connected and fulfilled. I am here to help you define that vision in a way that is consistent with who you truly are. Together we’ll develop strategies to enable you to achieve your own unique objectives and achieve a lasting sense of affirmation. We will commit to moving forward with courage and patience as you face the challenges that create ‘the Gap’ in your life.
Reducing Mental Health Stigma
I’m a proud member of the Congregation B’nai Brith Mental Health Initiative, whose mission is “to reduce the stigma of mental illness by supporting congregants and their families through education and promoting emotional and spiritual wellness.” Far from being a lofty or abstract goal, however, this sentiment represents a critical truth that has shaped me personally, professionally, and as a Jew. Read more
The Conception and Birth of PEP
“I have a woman on the line whose baby won’t stop crying, shall I put her through” the answering service operated asked. “Yes, please go ahead,” I replied as I prepared myself for my first PEP Warm Line call. Read more
The Onset of Parenthood
It was 2 AM and Stephen would not stop crying. He was four days old and creating an increasingly difficult situation for his unskilled, new parents. Read more
The Role of Social Support in the Prevention, Intervention and Treatment of Perinatal Mood Disorders
The Support Groups represent the most significant and useful aspect of the renaissance in the recognition and treatment of postpartum illness. This chapter will describe the history, principles, and types of social support. Read more
