Last week, a Facebook post from a mom seeking mental health services from her OB/GYN went viral. She was educated and well informed enough to know that her symptoms were likely related to postpartum depression, but the ask for help only added to her struggle. 10 hours later, she left the ER with her infant and list of resources feeling worse. But instead of blaming the "system" that she sought help from, she has decided to embrace it by diving deeper into attempts to utilize it. Jessica Porten's story is a great opportunity for us in the ACEs community to revisit why a trauma informed approach to mental health services for the maternal population is so critical. The double stigma of mental health and "being a bad mom" (or the pressure to be the "ideal mom") is something that deserves a lot more attention.
What is most alarming and concerning about the "system" serving (and failing) our mothers is that most of the people working in that "system" mean well. The great majority of the time they are not breaking laws or causing harm.
A trauma informed approach means that the system will demonstrate the 6 principals of being trauma informed. These include:
- Safety.
- Trustworthiness and Transparency.
- Peer support.
- Collaboration and mutuality.
- Empowerment, voice and choice.
- Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues.
When a system reflects these principals, individuals are better engaged and better served.
To find out more about Jessica's story, come see and hear her story on Monday, 1/29/18 from 1130am - 1 pm in Sacramento. 2020MOM will be hosting a rally and introducing a bill package that addresses maternal mental health in California. For more information, visit their website https://www.2020mom.org/action-4-moms-rally/
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