See a preview of the January Newsletter below - click here to read!

See a preview of the December 2021 Newsletter below - click here to read!

See a preview of the November Florida BH IMPACT Newsletter below:

Check out the October newsletter for information about the upcoming 6th Annual Perinatal Mental Health Conference! 

We would also like to congratulate PSI on their new contract for a Maternal Mental Health Hotline! Read more below.

We are excited to share the news that Postpartum Support International (PSI) has been awarded a contract with the federal government through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to operate the first-ever Maternal Mental Health Hotline. The Hotline will launch in early 2022 and will be available 24/7, 365 days a year, providing services in English and Spanish via voice, text, and webchat. This will be an excellent resource for those suffering from maternal mental health conditions and will be a great addition to the ongoing work that PSI and other organizations do to provide services to birthing people and their families. Congratulations, PSI!

September is suicide prevention awareness month. Florida BH IMPACT has included resources and guides in the September newsletter to help clinicians and those who may be suffering. Click here to read the September newsletter.

This month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members came together to promote suicide prevention awareness. Check out the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website for more resources and information. Risk factors for suicide include mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and certain personality disorders, alcohol and other substance use disorders, a history of trauma or abuse, and more. Effective clinical care for mental, physical and substance use disorders, easy access to a variety of clinical interventions, strong connections to family and community support, and support through ongoing medical and mental health care relationships can make it less likely that individuals will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. Read more about risk and protective factors here. Click here for resources for suicide loss survivors.

In July's Newsletter, Florida BH IMPACT highlights the importance of trauma-informed care. Check out resources shared below. Click here to read our newsletter!

Resources about Trauma-Informed Care

AAP "Trauma-Informed Care" (July 2021)
AAP "Trauma-Informed Care in Child Health Systems" (July 2021)
MCPAP for Moms "Trauma-Informed Approaches to Perinatal Mental Health Care"
ACOG News Release: "Important for Obstetrician–Gynecologists to Adopt Trauma-Informed Model of Care" (March 2021)

Click here to check out the Florida BH IMPACT June Newsletter for suggestions of mental health apps, information about LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Resources in honor of Pride Month, and info for Dads and Partners on Depression.

It is Maternal Mental Health Month! To celebrate, Florida BH IMPACT has filled the newsletter with facts and resources. Check it out here!

See a preview of the newsletter below:

Join Florida BH IMPACT to raise awareness, share resources, and empower families to get the help they need when experiencing struggles with perinatal mental health. Pregnant people of every culture, age, income level, and race can develop perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Universal screening for depression, anxiety, and substance use at least once in the perinatal or postpartum period is recommended to identify, treat, and/or refer patients to mental health care. For partners and families of those struggling, PSI has a great list of resources and tips that you can access here. For dads, more resources can be found here.

The relationship between breastfeeding and perinatal mental health is complex, as there are sociocultural, physical, and psychological factors involved. Breastfeeding has many psychological benefits, including the release of oxytocin and the regulation of sleep and wake patterns for mother and baby. For mothers who are suffering from depression or anxiety, breastfeeding can be especially challenging. Depressed mothers often report lower breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeed less or for shorter time periods. Other times, difficulties with breastfeeding can have psychological consequences. Click here to read more about learn to work "with the mother in mind" when caring for perinatal mood disorders and breastfeeding. Providing positive engagement, education, and respect for their decisions best supports families during this time.