If you’re a mama struggling with perinatal depression or anxiety and you’re looking for a sense of community during these isolating times, I hope you’ll join us for the next Afterglow Support Group, which will be at my new office, FEM Women’s Wellness. We will meet every Wednesday for six weeks, October 11th from 10-11:30am through November 18th. I couldn’t find anything like this when I was struggling and it’s profoundly important that we band together to help each other on this rollercoaster ride of motherhood.
We will cover topics related to coping tools, self-care, what to expect, questions to ask your provider when considering medication, communicating with your partner, and attachment with your baby despite this illness, as well as provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space to process with each other. If you are experiencing pre-natal depression or anxiety, you are welcome to join.
To sign up, please email me at ashley.s.hanna@gmail.com so that I can send you the outline and weekly articles, and so that you can stay in touch with the other moms in your group and to review the group guidelines and consent form. This will help us save time the day of and get started. Looking forward to meeting you and your little one!
If you can’t join us for some reason, I encourage you to read all of the Afterglow Handouts, a resource I am happy to share with any mama for free. Postpartum Support International has great information in the meantime, if you haven’t already checked it out. Always remember, you are not alone. There is hope. With treatment, you will be well.
Support Group Guidelines
1. Everything said in the group is confidential.
2. Please do not share with anyone the names or stories you learn in this room.
3. We share feelings and experiences just as they are. There are no right or wrong statements.
4. Each person knows what is best for her or himself, and therefore carries the primary responsibility for her or his well-being during the meeting. If at any time persons need to leave or take a break, for any reason, they are free to do so.
5. Everyone’s presence is appreciated and can be a source of healing for others. No one is required to speak during the meeting. Listening is a gift, too.
6. When speaking, use “I” statements, rather than “we,” “you,” or “they.” Please focus on your feelings, not opinions.
7. Avoid individual problem solving. Individuals can learn from one another’s experiences to solve their own problems.
8. When a person speaks, the others should listen actively, with the goal of relating the speaker’s experiences to their own. Only one person should be speaking at any given time with no interruptions from others.
9. It is empowering and healing for us to gather ideas that can benefit us, but advice-giving is not recommended. No one of us is an expert and no one knows what is best for another.
10. The sharing that takes place is a gift to everyone in the room. Please don’t ask questions seeking more information. What each person chooses to share is appreciated and sufficient.
11. At times there may be silence during the meeting. This provides a moment to reflect on what has been shared. No one needs to feel anxious or responsible to break the silence.
The session is comprised of two parts. During the first part, everyone is invited to share his or her experiences and feelings. The second part consists of a psychoeducational topic and open discussion where all are invited to talk about what they learned from the previous sharing.
Find out more about individual counseling, in my office or virtually!