In this episode, we continue to explore the relationship between Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and suicide with our guest Sherry Duson.  Sherry is the founder and director of The Center for Postpartum Family Health in Houston, TX. She shares her knowledge on the sense of shame some women feel around the struggles of being a new mom. In those moments, it is easy to feel isolated and to get trapped in a train of thought that says you are an unfit mother.  We know that feeling isolated is related to suicidal thoughts. 

There has been improvement over the last decade in the need to screen for mothers who are suffering from PMADs. Most O.B.s and even pediatrician’s offices will use some kind of screener for PMADs. However, the screener is only as good as the clinician applying it, and not every care provider knows how to support a new mom who is having a tough time. It’s not just moms who struggle with the transition of bringing a new baby home. To learn more about how PMADs affects men check out this week’s blog. “Men and PMADs“.