HealthFirst is committed to providing comprehensive women’s health in accordance with The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) clinical practice guidelines. Our medical staff believes that building healthy relationships is vital to a woman’s health and well-being. From well-woman exams, infertility consultations, family planning and menopausal management and everything in between, we can treat you as a whole, no matter what female-specific concerns you may have.
August
Back to school typically means a big change in your usual routine. This can be a cause of stress for families. It can be overwhelming to adjust to the change and to help kids adjust to it too. But even when it might feel too much, you aren’t failing; you may just need extra support.
Need an appointment? Call HealthFirst at 508-679-8111
In some cultures, and families, mental health isn’t a discussed topic. However, by not talking about mental health issues such as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, it’s not going to go away. Suppressing mental health problems will only make them worse. It’s important to have the space to talk about problems.
Need an appointment? Call HealthFirst at 508-679-8111
Septemeber
Your postpartum mental health is part of family care. We have professionals at HealthFirst who can provide help where you need it. You don’t need to struggle in silence. You can also find support with the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, which is available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-833-TLC-MAMA.
October
Intrusive thoughts are sudden, involuntary thoughts or ideas that pop up in your mind. They don’t reflect on who you truly are and can be scary to deal with. However, there is no need to act on them. They’re common to experience, especially when dealing with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
The health complications that come with being pregnant and giving birth don’t just affect your physical health, but your mental health as well. Sometimes there are unpredictable variables and difficulties that are out of our control. It’s important to never forget that you are not alone during these times. Talk to someone you trust. You can and will make it through this.
November
Holiday gatherings may want to present themselves as being a space of positivity and temporally block out any external problems or lingering issues. However, you cannot just turn off your mental health struggles for a period of time. You don’t have to act like everything is okay when they’re not. Rather, this time around family could be beneficial as your support system might be closer or now larger. You always have space to communicate about your struggles.
New parents may not necessarily need or want a traditional gift for the holidays. Taking care of a newborn can be stressful and time-consuming. It may mean more to them if you offer to help out where they need it. That could mean helping to take care of the house, other kids, the parent themself, or just spending time with them. These gestures can help you let them know that you’re here and you care.
December
Support for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders is available on any day, including the holidays. It can be exciting to start celebrating the holidays with a new addition to the family, but it can also be stressful. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed from having to juggle having a baby and any holiday plans. But you are not alone. Family, friends, and professionals can help you. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7 through call or text at 1-833-TLC-MAMA
Postpartum depression and anxiety are real health conditions that are treatable. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and/or unlike yourself. These struggles don’t make someone a bad parent. You are doing the best you can, and needing extra support doesn’t make you weak.
January
Bringing home a new baby can be exciting and bring a new wave of joy into your household. But this can also be the cause of newfound stress, exhaustion, and other negative emotions. This is a common experience, and if you develop postpartum depression and anxiety, it is treatable.
Postpartum depression and anxiety are common amongst those who have given birth. According to the CDC, around 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of Postpartum depression. If you find yourself struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety, contact your health care provider or 1-833-TLC-MAMA, the free National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
February
February is known as a month for love because of Valentine’s Day. But love isn’t limited to just romance. Platonic love for your friends is just as important for both you and them. Love includes showing your support. If you have a friend who is a new parent, find time to sit down with them and show them your support by lending a shoulder and an ear. Let them express their troubles without fear of judgement.
For new parents, since the people who spend the most time around them tend to be friends and family, they are more likely to notice a change in everyday behavior. If you are close to someone who has recently become a parent, be mindful if they become more depressed or angry than you’re used to. Try to not let them isolate themself and offer help, or offer to get them help where they need it.
March
Experiencing baby blues is common among new parents. They develop a few days post birth and although they can go away within a few weeks, you should still consider talking with a trusted support system. What separates baby blues from postpartum depression and anxiety is that postpartum emotions are more intense. More than feeling depressed, you could feel angry, hopeless, and deal with intrusive thoughts, amongst other symptoms. Postpartum depression and anxiety last longer than baby blues as well. If you find yourself struggling, you can find free 24/7 support at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or contact your HealthFirst provider.
When people hear postpartum depression or anxiety, they often just associate it with just sadness, but it can be much more than that. A parent might have trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, feeling angry, panicked, guilty, and may feel disconnected from their baby. Being aware of the symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety will help new parents recognize if they are experiencing these mood disorders.
April
Asking for help early can help combat postpartum mood disorders. Signs of postpartum anxiety include an inability to properly relax, constant panicking and worrying, and racing thoughts. There is no shame in having postpartum anxiety. Don’t hide your symptoms or your problems. Talk to your provider.
Don’t forget about your mental health when you’re taking care of your postpartum health. Your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical recovery. On your next visit, talk to your provider about Postpartum Mood Disorders and how you can look out for yourself.
May
When families are more open to talking about emotional wellness and postpartum mood disorders, it can help new parents know they are not alone. Not being able to talk about mental health problems will only make them worse. You can also talk to your provider about what to expect with Postpartum Mood Disorders and how to treat them.
Having Postpartum Mood Disorders is common amongst new parents and is not a signifier that you are a bad parent. You can be struggling with your mental health and still be able to care about your baby like any other parent. Having to balance your struggles and a new baby can be overwhelming, but support is available. Talk to your provider about Postpartum Mood Disorders and let your friends and family know you may need help.
June
The whole family can face struggles with their mental health with the birth of a baby. Partners may exhibit symptoms of depression or anxiety and can feel overwhelmed or isolated. It is important that their mental health receives proper care and attention. Mental health struggles are a serious issue that should be talked about and properly treated. Don’t be afraid to reach out together for support and help.
The schedule of a newborn can mean being up late hours or getting minimal sleep. This could lead to exhaustion, which can affect other parts of your life. You could be more prone to sickness, have trouble focusing, and feel more stressed as a few examples. Talk to your Health First team or contact 1-833-TLC-MAMA for help.
July
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders aren’t something you have to face alone. Support is all around you as long as you need it. Reaching out to a trusted friend or a close family member can be a good start. You can also find support in your local communities and through programs like WIC.
Need an appointment? Call HealthFirst at 508-679-8111
Sometimes it’s more than just the parents who are new to the change in their lives. As an onlooker, it might be hard to know what to say to the people you care about. Letting them know that you want to be there for them and that they aren’t alone are ways you can help, and you can use HealthFirst to connect them to a provider that fits their needs
Need an appointment? Call HealthFirst at 508-679-811
