Value you.

When wading through the depths of PPD, surviving day-to-day life and stresses is the goal. Nitty gritty, down and dirty survival. Clawing the cliff of worries, insecurities, sleep deprivation, adjustments to parenthood. The harsh reality of pulling through a pregnancy-postpartum mood/anxiety disorder:
taking it
a day
an hour
a moment at a time.

Believe it or not – it does get better. Hope returns. Sometimes hope briefly makes an appearance and steals away.  Such is the nature of the winding road to recovery.  When that glimmer shows itself,
even the teeniest bit,
even for a moment,
consider looking to find or rediscover something you enjoy. Something you’re passionate about.

There's an article (link) from a few months ago about this idea. It's more about general depression, which typically differs from PPD, but makes a similar point.

But the true inspiration for this post came from three women, mothers, who, through their theatrical talents, are living this very ideal:

Melissa Muguruza Weaver – SLEEPER, Everybody’s Girl

Kim Garrison Hopcraft – Rubenstein’s Kiss

Amy Anderson – Sideways Stories from Wayside School

I had the honor of meeting each of these women last year, when POEM produced its first Moms Night Out event, The MOMologues: The Original Comedy About Motherhood. They, along with other fabulous women, generously gave of their time and talent to direct and star in the show. (And save the date, The MOMologues is returning this year on May 11.)

Now, stop it right now if you’re comparing. If you’re struggling to get through the basics of day-to-day life and see what these women are doing and thinking you’re inadequate, it is simply not true. No matter where you are today, you are just as beautiful, powerful as anyone else.
Your inherent resilience and strength is in there. 
And each person finds what gives them joy on their own, in their own time.

The MOMologues brings to light the crazy, funny emotional events that happen (to all moms – regardless of PPD) throughout pregnancy and new motherhood. In observing the first rehearsal last year, I learned that each cast member identified with some challenge comically addressed in the show. So, despite of their talent, beauty and brilliance, they, too, didn’t always know the answers. And I’m guessing they still don’t. But each continues the journey and serves as an inspiration to delve into what they love to do as an individual – addressing their own human needs in addition to providing care and love for their children. They’re a true example to their children – and to us - to live our dreams, whatever they are.

Take this moment to give yourself permission to address your own, personal needs. Consider squeezing in time to do something meaningful or fun for you. You are worthy. Doing something for you is more than okay – it’s good for you.

30 Seconds of Your Time

Thank you, Susan Stone, for this alert-

Sign the petition in support of HR 20 - The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act:

Click on this link (or copy and paste it in to your browser) http://capwiz.com/ndmda/issues/alert/?alertid=12832296

This is on an advocacy alert page on the DBSA website. Scroll down, enter your zip code and it automatically generates a nicely written letter to your Congressman.

I even added a little note to the letter to my representative, Mary Jo Kilroy, explaining my support on a personal level - and the whole thing still took less than a couple minutes.

March Meeting Schedule - NOTE THE CHANGE

POEM Columbus Support Group Meeting Schedule for March -

Saturday, March 21 at 10am
***This is a week later than our usual Saturday. POEM will be at the Baby Bonanza: Everything from Pregnancy to Preschool on te 14th. Come and check it out.

Monday, March 30 at 7pm

Meetings are held at Northwest Counseling
1560 Fishinger Rd
Columbus, OH 43221

CLICK HERE FOR MAP/DIRECTIONS

Please call the Support Line, 614-315-8989, if you have any questions.



It’s okay to reach out for help.
That’s why we’re here.

www.poemonline.org

Postpartum Dads on the Radio

Here is a wonderful resource that is now posted on the PSI website. Please take the time to listen to the recording of the live Childhood Matters radio show recorded on Jan. 31st. Our two PSI Dads Coordinators, Will and David, and their guests presented this valuable hour.

Hosted by Dr. Will Courtenay, with guests David Klinker from postpartumdads.org, and PSI Member Lee Safran, MFT, marriage and family therapist.

Here's the link:
http://postpartum.net/resources/women-mothers/childhood-matters-radio-show-dads-as-postpartum-partners/

Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act now scheduled for mark up in the House!

Susan Stone, immediate past president of Postpartum Support International, reports that the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act is scheduled for markup this Wednesday, March 4th, in the Energy & Commerce Committee. She has all the info on this very important legislation, a list of representatives who can be encouraged to support the bill and the numerous great organizations who join us in supporting the MOTHERS Act. Check it out at http://perinatalpro.com/blog/?p=129

PPD Education in Columbus

The Many Faces of
Perinatal Mood Disorders
Presented by:
Franklin County Maternal Depression Task Force

Attend ONE session:
Wednesday April 29, 2009 at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
OR
Wednesday June 24, 2009 at Riverside Health Center
5:30-8:10 pm

Registration materials coming soon

Sponsored by: Columbus Public Health’s Caring For 2 Project