May is Maternal Mental Health Month. The month is dedicated to raising awareness of mental health challenges parents face before, during, and after the addition of a new child to the family. I’ve intentionally chosen to use the inclusive words “parent” and “addition” rather than “mother” and “giving birth”, because non-binary, adoptive, and fathers can all experience perinatal mental health disorders.
Throughout the month, I will be writing frankly about my own experience with perinatal mental health disorders. I am *not* a mental health professional; I am an educator, author, and PPD survivor. Through sharing our stories, we destigmatize mental illness, encourage empathy, build understanding, and reduce isolation.
