Mama Thrive Village Blog

Loss

2020 grief loss mom support pandemic paternal postpartum depression prenatal Dec 19, 2020

By Danielle D Jenkins, PsyD

People call the holidays the season of giving. In 2020, I am calling the holidays the season of loss. So many of us have been experiencing loss after loss this year, winding up with many of us being unable to have the holiday experiences we wish we could. Traditions that help us get into the spirit cancelled. Finances pinching our gifting or worrying us for what is coming. Seeing others making choices we know to put themselves and others at risk.

With loss comes grief. It is okay to grieve. Even if you know people who have things harder than you or who have lost more, it is okay to feel sadness, anger, irritability, apathy, and dread. Grief comes in waves no matter the cause. We have been grieving all throughout this pandemic. We may be experiencing all the stages of grief and that certainly affects ability to enjoy things we usually enjoy. It’s ok. We are all just doing our best.

If you have somehow managed to feel fun,...

My Father’s Day Wish

father's day paternal postnatal depression paternal postpartum depression support Jun 21, 2020

By Danielle D. Jenkins, PsyD

It’s Father’s Day in America. I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating the dad’s and adoptive fathers in your life. I am highlighting another important day for fathers to celebrate Father’s Day.

Tomorrow, June 22, is International Fathers Mental Health Day. Depending who you ask, between 10 and 25 percent of men experience postpartum depression. Fathers can also experience anxiety and other exacerbation of mental health concerns with the birth of a child. Dads are often overlooked when we discuss perinatal mental health and this is a problem. There is already strong stigma around men experiencing and seeking treatment for mental health concerns. Yet, men’s postpartum depression is often completely overlooked.

Signs a dad may be experiencing paternal postpartum depression (PPPD) include:

Anger and irritability.
Feeling helplessness or hopelessness.
Loss of interest in daily activities, especially ones you usually...

Loss

My Father’s Day Wish

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