mental health

Happy 2018! The Year is Starting Wonderfully

Crescent Beach.jpg

I am excited for what 2018 is going to bring.  It has already started well with a nice unexpected trip.  Thanks to my wonderful husband.  I have gotten to see beautiful Crescent Beach on Northern Coast of California and hug a Redwood Tree.  Spending time marveling over the wonder of nature is highly recommended.  In my situation it was much needed after such a difficult year in 2017. 

Moving forward in 2018, I will continue to promote my book, A Mother's Climb out of Darkness.  I was told by a college professor that every clinician, working in area of mental health should read my book.  That may be an unachievable goal but my hope is that many will have the opportunity.  Even though my book was originally released in June 2014, it is still an important book addressing an often misunderstood area of mental health.  Unfortunately, I lost the beginning half of 2017 dealing with perimenopause, the tragic death of a close friend, and an adverse reaction to medication change.  Although grief is a process that is different for everyone, I am now in a place of well-being that I have worked hard to achieve.

Redwood.jpg

Yes, I know not many will have opportunity to hug an enormous tree but wherever you are, I encourage you to take the time in 2018 to marvel over the beauty of nature.

From Crisis to Contribution

It is hard to believe that it is over 20 years since my perinatal mental health crisis began.  My life forever changed back in early 1996 when I was struck with postpartum psychosis.  Not only did my life change but so did the lives of my family members.  My experience has brought an understanding of mental health related to childbearing that I would not have otherwise.  I am truly blessed to have been able to turn such a horrific experience into a way to give back and contribute to making changes in a positive way.

Back in November 2015, I had the opportunity to speak before house and senate committees in the state in which I reside.  My goal was to get the attention of lawmakers so they would recognize the importance of addressing perinatal mental health.  It was a new experience for me but I knew it was time to share a piece of my story with the legislators.  I believe it opened the door for the discussion and enabled some of my fellow perinatal mental health advocates to make strides as well.  A proclamation was submitted back in March to our Governor to make May Perinatal Mental Health Awareness month.  Although still waiting a decision, our state's perinatal mental health advocates are hopeful that it will be signed by the Governor. 

Regardless of the outcome, the perinatal mental health advocates in my state will continue efforts to increase awareness and change outcomes in the area of mental health related to childbearing.  I am honored to be a part of the movement.