Postpartum Support
Postpartum Support International (PSI) is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization founded in 1987 by Janet Honikman who was moved by her own struggles as a new mother. At the time, there was little support for women having mental health issues after childbirth. Considering that 15 percent of new mothers experience depression after childbirth, this was clearly an unmet need.
Postpartum depression affects women of all economic and social strata. Brooke Shields wrote a book, Down Came the Rain, about her postpartem struggles. At a time in life considered to be one of the happiest—when a new baby is born into the family—how can a mother cope? Feelings of overwhelming depression crowd out the joyful feelings, and many people do not understand, leaving the new mother feeling isolated and unable to care for her baby. Let’s explore how PSI can help.
The purpose of PSI is to increase awareness about the emotional changes women experience after childbirth. The mission is to promote awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide.
How does it work? What if you or a loved one is depressed after a normal childbirth? Or what if the family experiences the shock and grief of a stillbirth? How can a new mother get help when coping with the birth of a baby with a serious illness?
PSI maintains a 24-hour hotline, which is 1-800-944-4773. This number is also able to receive text messages. There is also an online form to apply for help: na0.icarol.com/pub/SurveyForm.aspx?org=137966&key=37d8f3d5-4a4c-4cf9-ba6e-e7bf1e24d132
The caller will be connected to a local coordinator in New Jersey, who will determine what kind of help the caller needs—a psychiatrist, therapy, counseling, a support group, etc. The coordinator checks insurance coverage and availability of providers, saving the woman the frustrating work of locating help on her own; this is crucial when someone is in a state of altered mental health. Staying with the new mother until she is connected to the type of help she needs assures that no one will fall through the cracks.
PSI is also involved with education for providers, such as continuing education programs for nurses, providing certification for nurses to become experts in the field of postpartum depression, and outreach to hospitals to increase knowledge of postpartum mental health. PSI awards grants to increase access to care. Fundraising efforts include events that serve a dual purpose—to educate the public and raise money. PSI is involved in current research being conducted in the field of perinatal mental health. What is being studied now will have a positive impact for years to come.
For more information visit the website www.postpartum.net
The Cumberland County Mental Health and Addictions Board actively promotes awareness of stigma and the need for public education regarding mental health and addiction. The Board meets monthly, and the public is invited to attend (see meeting dates on the Cumberland County website.
