012: Big news in maternal mental health
We are thrilled and humbled to welcome Postpartum Support International as an official maternal mental health advisor of Two Truths
If you’re new to Two Truths—and even if you’re not—you must know that maternal mental health is a core part of our DNA.
After all, rooted in leading therapeutic mental health treatments and well-understood by scholars who study motherhood is the simple and healing idea that gave birth to this newsletter: Two things can be true.
We can feel fulfillment and sheer exhaustion simultaneously.
We can mourn the loss of our former selves while loving who we are becoming.
Overwhelming gratitude and guilt can live together.
We can feel so happy it hurts.
We can shed tears of sadness and joy in the very same drop.
We can feel lonely without any alone time.
In motherhood, things are rarely either/or. They’re often both/and.
So, as we move into May, which happens to be Maternal Mental Health Month—31 days dedicated to raising awareness around the important and all-too-often dismissed topic of mental health in motherhood—we are humbled and thrilled to announce that Postpartum Support International (PSI), a leading non-profit that promotes awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide, is now an official partner of Two Truths.
“Postpartum Support International is excited to be a partner of Two Truths,” says Wendy Davis, executive director of PSI. “We know that conversations around perinatal mental health and postpartum are becoming more prevalent in communities worldwide. We value the unique perspective that Two Truths brings to shed light on various topics and issues that families face. Postpartum Support International is here to meet individuals and families wherever they are in their journey to parenthood.”
As reporters and as moms, for years, we have been working with PSI. The group has connected us with leading experts to help us pen stories about everything from birth trauma and postpartum OCD to how to prioritize your mental health in pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
They have helped us better understand the transformative process of matrescence.
They have helped our communities get the help they need.
They have helped us personally.
PSI is where we send our loved ones for support, help, and healing. They are industry pioneers and it is an honor to have them as a partner.
BOOKMARK THIS PAGE
PSI provides a full directory of thousands of providers who are specially trained in perinatal mental health.
So what does this partnership mean for our content—and for you, our readers?
When you read an upcoming issue of Two Truths that touches on maternal mental health issues, you can feel confident that you’re getting the most accurate, evidence-based, and up-to-date information available because:
We’ll utilize PSI’s worldwide network of maternal mental health experts and leaders as guest experts and contributors.
PSI-affiliated physicians and therapists will medically review any sensitive issues we cover.
This is important because mental health in motherhood matters. Anywhere from 1 in 5 to 1 in 7 (or more) new mothers experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD), such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum psychosis (with postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety being the most common conditions).
UNDERSTAND POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS
This condition occurs in 0.1 to 0.2% of all births, is marked by delusions and hallucinations, and is considered a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate medical intervention and treatment.
These conditions are so common that they are the leading complication of birth in the postpartum months. (FWIW, PMADs can and often do start in pregnancy and are often accompanied by the term “perinatal,” to encompass both pregnancy and postpartum.)
And while they can feel crushing, all-encompassing, and even like “who you are,” PMADs are temporary and highly treatable.
Look no further than PSI’s tagline for proof: You are not alone, and you are not to blame. Help is available. You will get better.
SUPPORT A FRIEND WHO OPENS UP
New motherhood comes with all kinds of struggles, from feeding struggles to sleep deprivation, mood challenges, and more. These tips can help you support a friend.
PS: Any time we talk about maternal mental health, you’ll find PSI’s resources (below like this!) at the end of the issue, ensuring you have access to the support you need. <3
SUPPORT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WITH POSTPARTUM SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL (PSI). PSI is a global champion for perinatal mental health that connects individuals and families to the resources and support needed to give them the strongest and healthiest start possible. Visit postpartum.net for information on perinatal mental health disorders, access to 30+ free, online support groups, an online provider directory, the PSI HelpLine, local support coordinators, a perinatal mental health discussion tool, specialized support resources, and more. Call the PSI HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-944-4773 for basic information, support, and resources. Support via text message is also available at 800-844-4773 (English) and 971-203-2773 (Español). Remember: You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.
COMING SOON:
REEL MOTHERHOOD. A special challenge for Mother’s Day (if you like making cute Reels with your kids—or if you haven’t yet but want to try it—get ready).
A NOD TO NOSTALGIA. An ode to summer nights, our former selves, and new memories (with a little inspo for your Memorial Day Weekend plans because, yes, it’s starting to sneak up and we want you to be ready).
Last thing: You’ve made it this far. Go ahead and hit that “heart” button to let us know if you enjoyed this issue! —Cassie and Kelsey