Mental Health Support for Mamas

Created by Kim Perez, NTP and Carolina Stone

Being a mom is not easy! Every phase from preconception to pregnancy to postpartum and beyond presents its own challenges, and it’s not uncommon for moms to struggle with their mental health.

From more commonly-discussed postpartum depression and anxiety to lesser acknowledged disorders like postpartum psychosis, PTSD, and OCD and even eating disorders and chronic stress and burnout- there is a wide range of mental health issues that can occur any time after having a baby. In fact, mental health issues can arise during and even before pregnancy, too.

Sometimes, us moms can easily forget to take care of ourselves because others rely so much on us. But in reality, our little ones need a healthy and happy mama! If you’re struggling, you don’t need to suffer, pretend to feel differently, or just hope it goes away.

No matter what you’re feeling, you are not alone and don’t need to deal with it alone. Motherhood can feel isolating at times- even more reason why we need each other!

Getting professional help is always advised, but reaching out to speak with other moms helps, too. The Street Parking mamas community is here for you- whether you just need to vent and be reminded you’re not alone or want help finding a professional to work with. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime by posting in the SP Moms group, reaching Carolina at mamas@streetparking.com, or reaching Kim at kim@rootandbranchnutrition.com.

Below are some resources for various mental health challenges that moms commonly experience. Always start by reaching out to your doctor or if you have one, mental health professional. If you need help finding a mental health professional to work with, there are resources for that, too.

Information & Resources:
Perinatal Mental Health/Mood Disorders:
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
PSI Resources in Spanish
Postpartum Stress Center
MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health
Mental Health America

Questionnaires/Screening Tools:
PPD Risk Assessment During Pregnancy
Do I have PPD?
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
Mental Health America screening tools

Miscarriage & Infant Loss:
Bereaved Parents of the USA
The Fletcher Foundation

Eating Disorders:
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
National Eating Disorders Association
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Eating Disorder Hope

Support for Black women and other WOC:
Black Women’s Health Imperative
Black Mamas Matter
The Loveland Foundation
The Center for Black Women’s Wellness
National Latino Behavioral Health Association
Live Another Day - Extensive information on mental health and substance use resources for People of Color. Their mission is equal access to life-saving resources.
Detox Local - An excellent resource that features abundant information including mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community.

Getting Help (in person and remote options):
Finding a Mental Health Professional:
PPSC Clinician Referral List
Psychology Today Therapy Directory
Theravive
Good Therapy
MyWellbeing
Talkspace (100% online)
Dr. Alyssa Berlin
Black Mental Wellness
The Association of Black Psychologists
Therapy for Black Girls
Black Female Therapists
Melanin and Mental Health
Latinx Therapy