Tag: perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

October Happenings

Posted on by Dr. Diane Sanford in Self-Care

It’s been a crazy ride the last few months in both my psychology practice and personal life so I haven’t posted much on social media. Social media is one of the first things to fall off my list when life becomes more stressful. With our current COVID crisis, I’m never certain how my day will go or how I’ll feel. Maybe some of you are having that experience too. Lol.

So, I’m taking this time to let you know of some events I have coming up and how to join in. Also, I’m sending you a video from Tiffany Jenkins, who I absolutely love, about “If our anxiety was brutally honest.” For me, laughter has been the best remedy for overcoming stress. Don’t miss out on what Tiffany has to say.

Stay sane, safe and well or like the rest of us, keep trying.

Namaste 

Recording of my most recent webinar with Heartland PMAD Consultants: https://youtu.be/cveFeoxFS_o

My upcoming virtual workshop on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety:


The Most Frequent Complication of Childbirth:
Understanding and Treating Perinatal Mood and Anxiety 
Friday, October 30, 2020
1:00 – 4:00 P.M. | 3 CEUs 
Because of the hormonal, psychological and situational changes of having a baby, 1 in 7 women will experience a postpartum mood or anxiety episode. The rates are higher, up to 1 in 4 women, among those in “at risk” groups. 

This workshop will increase your understanding of the etiology underlying postpartum clinical conditions and how to distinguish them from normal postpartum adjustment changes. Understand the risk factors associated with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD’s) and early intervention strategies to decrease your client’s vulnerability to a clinical episode. We will explore evidence-based treatment approaches to PMAD’s including mindfulness-based interventions, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). 
  REGISTER NOW  $60 General Admission*

Women, Hormones and Mood

Posted on by Dr. Diane Sanford in October Tips, Thursday "Words of Wisdom"

Did you know that women experience twice as much depression as men? Would that be because we’re more sensitive? I think not. The explanation which best fits is that we are more affected by hormonal shifts which influence our brain chemistry, particulary around times when our lives change dramatically-like pregnancy and post-postpartum.

In fact, 1 in 8 women will experience a clinical episode of depression or anxiety during pregnancy, postpartum and menopause, which is greater than the occurence of most health conditions. So, why aren’t women being routinely screened for mood and anxiety conditions? How can health conditions which have such a profound impact on moms, babies and families continue to be ignored? How many more stories like Miriam Carey’s will unfold ?

To end such needless suffering and tragedies, we must come forward and share our stories to support each other in getting the help we need and deserve. We must be prepared to educate our health providers and make it clear that we expect to be cared for-body, mind, heart and soul. We must challenge our own biases about anxiety and depression, and accept them as “health conditions” just like heart disease or diabetes.

Ghandi said, “Become the change you want to see in the world.”

Now, it’s up to each of us to do our part to reduce the stigma and shame associated with mental health conditions. In Miriam’s memory and for the sake of safeguarding the health of moms and babies, WE MUST.

Something Fun to Start the Week

Posted on by Dr. Diane Sanford in September tips

Guess it’s been a while since we’ve posted. First, we wanted to put up something fun to start the week which my daughter led me to last week. It’s called “Kid President” and it’s on this wonderful site/blog TV called SoulPancake. For everyone who’s a mom, this one’s for you-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ4Rnba85o8. I couldn’t stop laughing.

Next, on a more serious note. This Thursday Oct. 10 is Mental Health Awareness Day and we’re having a blog fest hosted at #ForMiriam-https://www.facebook.com/pages/For-Miriam/696976256999035 dedicated to Miriam Casey the mom who lost her life to mental illness this past week in Washington DC. Perinatal mental health experts across the country will be posting about what we can do to ensure that pregnant and postpartum moms get the treatment they need to get and stay well.

We’re giving mental illness a voice so that women can let go of the stigma and shame they feel to get the help they deserve. Help us out by sharing your comments and posts. Remember, life is filled with joy and sorrow, losses and gains but our connection with each other heals.

Namaste.