National Public Radio Series on Women's Mental Health

NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO ADDRESSES WOMEN'S MENTAL HEALTH

National Public Radio aired a special series this week entitled

WOMEN'S MENTAL HEALTH AT KEY STAGES IN LIFE

How Puberty, Pregnancy, and Perimenopause Affect Mental Health

Thank you to NPR correspondents Rhitu Chatterjee, Emily Vaughan, and Rachel Martin for talking about these important issues.

Tuesday, January 14

How Puberty, Pregnancy, & Perimeno-pause Impact Women's Mental Health

Crazy. Hysterical. Over-reactive. Hormonal . These are stereotypes many women still have to fight to be taken seriously. These symptoms, especially those around mood, can be signs of changes in hormone levels — estrogen, specifically — and those changes can become more pronounced, and even severe, at key points in women's lives: puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause.

Wednesday, January 15

'A Lifeline' For Doctors Helps Them

Treat Postpartum Depression

Wednesday's story focuses on MCPAP for Moms, a psychiatry access program in Massachusetts that connects front-line providers with psychiatrists who have special training in maternal mental health. MCPAP For Moms -- led by psychiatrist Nancy Byatt, DO and obstetrician Tiffany Moore Simas, MD -- also helps other states launch similar programs through Lifeline4Moms.

Thursday, January 16

As Menopause Nears, Be Aware

It Can Trigger Depression And Anxiety

Thursday's session features Jennifer Payne, MD , Director of the W omen's Mood Disorders Center at Johns Hopkins University , who discusses how hormonal changes leading up to menopause can cause anxiety and depression. Women who are most at risk are those with a history of mental illness or those who are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations.

Friday, January 17

We Answer Your Questions About Perimenopause

Imagine a physical condition that creates dramatic temperature changes in the body, including lethargy, loss of sex drive, anxiety, and depression. This is reality for every single woman, a reality called menopause. But since the dawn of time, menopause has just not been a topic for polite company, let alone public discussion. NPR's Rachel Martin talks to menopause expert Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton , division director of the Midlife Health Center at the University of Virginia , who answers listeners' questions.

Saturday, January 18

Menopause Starts Younger Than You Think: Here's What You Need To Know

Technically menopause is only one day in a woman's life, which is when she has not had a period for 12 months. It's the period of time leading up to menopause -- known as perimenopause -- that causes all the trouble. Perimenopause can start as early as the mid-30s or early 40s. This story includes advice about how to manage symptoms and when to see a doctor.

Working with Policy Makers to Address Maternal Mental Health Challenges

dedicated to promoting the mental health of childbearing women in the United States

by advocating for universal education, screening, referral, and treatment

of postpartum depression and related maternal mental health (MMH) challenges.

Our vision is that all childbearing women in the United States will be educated about and screened for maternal mental health challenges and have access to resources for recovery.