January is Postpartum Depression Awareness Month

PMDA.ca

By: Lee-Anne Ekland

We Can All Relate, But…

This may be a bold statement to make but everyone can relate to feelings of depression.

We’ve all gone through difficult times. And when you have children your mettle is tested beyond measure. It can be downright disheartening to get up day after day wondering where that damn light at the end of the tunnel is.

Feelings of depression that last less than a few weeks or so are normal, I’m told. Talking through your stuff can be a really helpful way to get back on track and may be all you need to feel the veil lift so you can get back to enjoying your life.

But when you’re feeling helpless and overwhelmed because your world has been turned upside down by your newborn and your hormones are taking a stand, the feelings can turn dark. What makes it worse is that you’re probably sleep deprived. And your primary relationship with your partner may be strained. It can seem hopeless.

It. Needs. To. Stop.

If you or someone you know have ever felt sad or overwhelmed for longer than is ‘normal’ (for you or them) then it’s possible that some form of depression is a factor. And if you suspect that you may be suffering from some form of depression as a result of a difficult pregnancy or postpartum it may be Perinatal Mood Disorder.

Perinatal Mood Disorder is temporary and treatable and never, ever your fault. If you or any person you know has ever been affected by a Perinatal Mood Disorder you need a lot of understanding and support. Please know that you are not alone.

But I’m NOT writing this to help you self diagnose. I want to share with you resources available to help you get through it.

January is Postpartum Depression Awareness Month

Here are some links…

to help you understand better what perinatal mood disorders are and what you can do to get the support you need.

What are Perinatal Mood Disorders?

Definitions

Symptoms

Getting Help

Helpful Information for Family & Friends

Every year, Perinatal Mood Disorders Awareness Ltd (PDMA) brings much needed attention through Awareness Month which is January. They hold a variety of Awareness Events to help educate the public that helps change the stigma attached to postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders.

Through Education PDMA hopes to make things a little bit easier for expecting Moms, new Moms, Dads & families, in finding the support they need from healthcare providers and family & friends.

Resources

PDMA’s mandate is to fill the gap, and connect sufferers of perinatal mood disorders with service providers. They will help you find the resources you need.

PMDA has many Resource related projects in the works to help support individuals & families affected by Perinatal Mood Disorders. Their biggest resource is their website which boasts a large database of resources available for perinatal mood disorders across Canada. PMDA also has a comprehensive Support Group program.

Change the Stigma through Awareness

Postpartum Depression and Perinatal Mood Disorders affect approximately 15 – 30% of moms within the first few years of giving birth. It is believed that this statistic is in fact much higher as so many Moms do not come forward.

The majority of these moms do not get help for a variety of reasons: either they go undiagnosed, are unable to find help, or never come forward because of the stigma attached to PPD & PMD.

Canadian Moms are raising our next generation and their mental health is of top priority

You are the most important person in your life. And as a mother, you are needed. Whether you’re able to connect with moms in person or online, you can get the help you need if you’re suffering from perinatal mood disorders.

Take care of you, mama.

For more information on PDMA go over to their website. You can also connect on Twitter and Facebook.

Lee-Anne Ekland is the Community Director at Modern Mama Vancouver and manages the content here on Modern Mama. When she’s not working here and there, she’s over here at Mom Paradigm.com.  Mom Paradigm focuses on sorting through the amazing journey that is motherhood through the eyes of her child and blogs about healthy living, lifestyle, parenting on occasion, wine and skin care.

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