A recent article in Obgyn.net stated that "despite the recent growth in publicity, postpartum depression is still all too often unrecognized or cavalierly dismissed. However, this common disorder is readily diagnosed and treated by the primary care physician who is willing to take the most basic measures." (For the complete article, click here)
In an effort to increase awareness and education, encourage the use of depression screening tools and improve the availability of effective treatment and support services that promote maternal mental health, certain areas of the country declared May as Perinatal Mental Health month.
Actress Brooke Shields and Senator Robert Menendez (R-NJ) were recently among participants at a press conference announcing the passage of the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act which will also help to educate mothers and their families about these conditions as well as support research into the causes, diagnoses and treatments for postpartum depression and psychosis.
The statistics speak for themselves. Between 15 and 20 percent of all women experience some form of pregnancy-related depression or anxiety. A recent article in the Seattle times quoted a study in the AMA Journal which found that 10.4 percent of men experienced serious depression at some point between his partner's first trimester and one year after childbirth, more than double the depression rate for men in general. (For the complete article, click here).
More information on this expanded program will be available soon. However, if you would like to know more now, please contact Sarah Schwartz at sarah@mhageorgia.org.
Join Us in Creating an Online Community!
Mental Health America is creating a new Online Community where people can discuss mental health and wellness topics. Please check out the site and share the link widely with your staff and your communities: http://www.inspire.com/groups/mental-health-america/.
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KIDS ON THE BLOCK PROGRAM
GIVEN A "FRESH" START
DESTIGMATIZING MENTAL ILLNESS AMONG GEORGIA'S CHILDREN
Thanks to a generous grant from F.R.E.S.H. (Fulton Roundtable Expanded Service Headquarters), a grant funded program sponsored by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, our Kids on the Block program has been given a jump start in preparation for the new school year.
Kids on the Block is a very special troupe of disabled and non-disabled puppets that dress and act like real children and are nearly life-size. Like real children, each one has definite likes and dislikes, hopes, fears, talents and limitations. And like real children, some have differences such as mental, physical and emotional disabilities. Others have lives touched by abuse or divorce. Audiences interact directly with the puppet characters during question and answer sessions in each program. This unique form of communication provides young people with a safe environment to learn an attitude of smart decision-making, sensitivity and understanding that will serve them well for the rest of their lives.
If you are interested in scheduling a puppet show or becoming a Kids on the Block puppeteer, please call Sarah Schwartz at 678-904-1970 or email her at sarah@mhageorgia.org
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