Video Transcript:
Hi everyone, my name is Doctor Valerie Revolus and I'm a board certified psychiatric mental health nursepractitioner specializing in maternal mental health.
0:08
And I'm so glad you're here today.
0:10
Whether you're a new parent, a partner, a grandparent, or a friend, thismessage is for you.
0:17
Because when it comes to supporting moms and birthing people after pregnancy,knowledge truly is power.
0:24
Let's start with something many people have heard of, the baby Blues.
0:29
The baby Blues are really common.
0:31
They impact about 70 to 80% of new moms.
0:33
They usually start a few days after giving birth and can last up to two weeks.
0:38
Some of the common symptoms include, but are not limited to feeling moreemotional than usual.
0:43
Maybe crying a lot, feeling overwhelmed, anxious or even Moody, having troublesleeping even when the baby is sleeping, Feeling a little disconnected orunsure of yourself.
0:54
But here's the key with the baby Blues.
0:57
These feelings tend to come and go, and they usually get better on their ownwithout medical intervention.
1:03
You might just need some rest, support, and reassurance.
1:07
Now let's talk about something more serious.
1:10
Postpartum depression, also known as PPD.
1:14
Postpartum depression, impacts about one in seven new moms.
1:17
And it's not just feeling tired or emotional.
1:19
It's a real mental health condition that needs care and attention, and yes, itcan impact anybody, no matter how strong you are, spiritual you are, or howprepared you are.
1:30
PPD can show up weeks or even months after giving birth and the symptoms lastmuch longer and feel way more intense.
1:36
Some signs to look out for include persistent sadness or emptiness, feelinghopeless, worthless or lack of failure as a parent, not feeling bonded to yourbaby, withdrawing from family and friends, extreme irritability or anger,trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, thoughts of harming yourself or yourbaby.
1:55
And if these feelings are lasting more than two weeks and or interfering withyour daily life, it's not just the baby Blues.
2:02
That's when it's time to reach out for help.
2:04
In many Black and brown communities, we're taught to be strong, to push throughand to not talk about mental health.
2:11
But I want you to hear this clearly.
2:13
Struggling with postpartum depression does not mean you are weak.
2:17
It does not mean you don't love your baby, and you are not alone.
2:22
Postpartum depression is medical, it's treatable, and healing is absolutelypossible, especially when we recognize the signs early and get support.
2:32
If you or someone that you love might be going through postpartum depression,here are a few steps that you can take.
2:39
Talk to a provider, a nurse practitioner, OBGYN, midwife, or therapist.
2:44
Reach out to your support system.
2:46
You don't have to suffer in silence.
2:48
Know that there's safe and effective treatments, whether that's therapy,support groups, even medication management if warranted.
2:55
And if you're supporting someone who just had a baby, check in with them.
2:59
Listen without judgement.
3:00
Offer help.
3:01
Remind them that they don't have to do it all alone.
3:04
Taking care of mental health is part of taking care of the whole family.
3:07
If you're going through it, please know that healing is not only possible, itis your right and we're here to walk with you.
3:14
Thanks for spending this time with me.
3:16
Be sure to check out more resources and have an amazing day.
3:19
See you all soon.
3:21
Take care, bye.