Breastfeeding is a learned behavior for both baby and parent that requires guidance, nurturing, and support. However, as many of us who have breastfed before know, it does not always go well.
What comes to mind when you think of events that may be the cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Childbirth PTSD is different than other forms of PTSD as, unlike other trauma-related events, childbirth is an index event that is socially generally considered to be positive. But for many women, this event can also be a source of deep psychological trauma.
What happens in PTSD, is that the brain goes into the fight and flight mode and is constantly on alert to protect the person from recurrence of the highly dangerous experience. But the problem is that it cannot come down from that state of heightened arousal, even after leaving the dangerous situation, and coming back to the safe life environment.
The idea that mental illness and psychiatric disorders are afflictions that only affect the brain is now regarded as incorrect. We know that the brain controls the body and when the brain doesn’t function properly, the body suffers the consequences, and vice-versa.
It’s common for a new mother to experience thoughts or worries about her newborn child. I remember the worrying thoughts I had shortly after my son was born when I left for an ADAA conference for a few days.
Working with Black churches to create a better today and a much better tomorrow in the field (literally) of mental health care for African Americans are three Black leaders in mental health who will present at the 2023 ADAA Conference. ADAA is excited to have Bernadine Waller, PhD, Atasha Jordan, MBA, MD and Kimberly Arnold, MPH, PhD discuss their work, research and findings in a presentation titled Implementing Evidence-Based Mental Health Interventions in Black Churches.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a bitter reminder that there is no end to the horrific suffering that humans are sometimes willing to inflict on others.
Pregnancy and childbirth can be a joyous time in a woman’s life but can also be a challenging one. Besides the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum, about 20% of women may experience mental health challenges.
It is very important to note that MDMA is not suggested as a standalone treatment for any condition, and only “MDMA-assisted” psychotherapy is researched in these studies.
