|
|
| Pregnant Pause
March 31, 2017
I
ssue #69
|
|
Because there is no health without mental health!
|
|
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: PROMOTING CONTINUED DECLINES IN PREVALENCE
|
|
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention illustrate positive gains for maternal mental health: in 13 states, the self-reported prevalence for postpartum depression has decreased from about 15% in 2004 to about 10% in 2012. While encouraging, these results emphasize the need for effective maternal mental health screening, identification, and treatment protocols for pregnant women and new mothers in health settings that are regularly in contact with these populations.
It is important to note that even with these meaningful decreases, postpartum depression remains a common condition. Further,
 postpartum depression is underdiagnosed and a significant number of women who experience symptoms will not receive treatment. As many as 50% of women who have a diagnosis of postpartum depression do not receive appropriate care.
Therefore, it is critical to address postpartum depression through increased clinician screenings and increased resource referrals. These downward trends in postpartum depression will only persist if healthcare providers and public health practitioners remain vigilant in identifying and treating postpartum depression.
To read more, click
here.
|
|
SAVE THE DATE!!
To purchase tickets, please use the following link:
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
|
|
WE HAVE A NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR!!
Meet MHA of GA's New Executive Director, Jewell Gooding!
Sarah Schwartz, MSW, MBA, MHA is leaving MHA of Georgia after 10 years as the organization's Executive Director. In Sarah's words: "Having been with the organization so long, this decision was not an easy one. I have thoroughly enjoyed the work I've had the privilege to do at MHA, the people with whom I've had the honor of working, and the Georgians I've been privileged to serve. I will be leaving MHA of Georgia to take a position at Emory University as Director of the Veterans Mental Health Program in the University's Brain Health Center. Although bittersweet to be leaving after a decade, I am excited for the new challenges ahead in my upcoming role. I am leaving MHA of Georgia in a good place with regard to our programs and advocacy & policy work. I am certain that the great work we do for the state will continue with the strong team that's in place and with the addition of an amazing new Executive Director! Mrs. Jewell Gooding will be taking the helm at MHA of GA as of April 3, 2017."
Jewell H. Gooding, MBA, MA, NCC is a National Certified Counselor with a personal investment in Mental Health. As a mother of three active boys, Mrs. Gooding strives to create an environment that welcomes diversity and celebrates advocacy. Mrs. Gooding's fervor for mental health emerged from her work as a case manager at a homeless shelter while obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Tennessee State University. In 2005, Mrs. Gooding received a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling and provided individual and family therapy to youth as well as families for 13 years. In 2015, she received her Master's in Business Administration from the University of Georgia to provide expertise in business and program development in order to assist organizations in building sustainable programs for youth, young adults and families seeking recovery support services throughout Georgia.
|
|
DID YOU KNOW?
NICU mothers with a history of mental health complications may be less ready for discharge: Researchers found that mothers of babies in the NICU who have a history of mental health issues may be less ready for discharge from the hospital when compared to mothers without a mental health history. Results indicate that there may be need for improved transition procedures for mothers to address these differences.
To read more, click here.
Clinical interviews are effective in predicting postpartum depression: A study by a team at UCLA found that structured interviews that include questions about daily life, like work activities, insomnia, and suicidality, were effective at screening women for postpartum depression. This finding highlights an additional method that may be used to identify women at risk of maternal mental illness. To learn more, follow this link.
Postpartum depression may be linked with decreased 'anti-anxiety' hormone: A study at Johns Hopkins University found that lower levels of an anti-anxiety hormone in the second trimester of pregnancy were associated with a higher risk of developing postpartum depression. These results may indicate a potential new marker for postpartum depression. To
learn more, click here.
|
 LOOKING FOR WAYS TO GET INVOLVED?
2) Check out our Facebook page 3) Sign up for our newsletters |
SCREENING & IDENTIFICATION TRAINING FOR PERINATAL MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS  Project Healthy Moms' PMAD Screening and Identification Trainings are aimed at healthcare providers (e.g. physicians, nurses, social workers) who come in contact with childbearing women. Through this program, healthcare providers who are involved in maternal and child health are trained to recognize symptoms of the various PMADs and consequences of untreated PMADs. During the training, providers learn how to screen mothers for PMADs and are also educated about treatment options and referral methods. The goal of the training is to ensure that healthcare providers are able to correctly and routinely identify and refer women who may be suffering from PMADs in their practices. To learn more and schedule a training, please contact Shannon Biello at shannon@mhageorgia.org or (678) 904-1968.
|
RESOURCE LIST
Did you know that Mental Health America of Georgia has a resource list for pregnant and postpartum women? It is updated regularly and provides contact information for healthcare providers and outlets for self-care for pregnant and postpartum women. To access the list, visit www.mhageorgia.org/project-healthy-moms/resource-list/
|
| WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Project Healthy Moms is an important initiative of MHA of Georgia. Perinatal mood disorders are the most common complication of childbirth. In the United States, approximately 20% of new mothers suffer from these devastating illnesses which, if not properly treated, can have a long-term negative impact on the health of not only the mothers, but their children and families as well. Our goal is to increase awareness, identification, treatment, and support of perinatal mood disorders in Georgia, while also reducing the stigma associated with them.
To learn more about Project Healthy Moms, click here.
Project Healthy Moms is only one of many programs developed by MHA of Georgia to further our mission of enhancing the mental health of all Georgians through education, outreach, and advocacy.
Click here to learn more about MHA of Georgia's other programs. Your support will help us continue our work educating Georgians about mental illness, striving to eliminate stigma, and advocating on behalf of people with mental illness in our state. Click here to support MHA of Georgia.
|
|
| |
| |
|
