May is Maternal Mental Health Month

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.