Friend,

As we continue our coverage of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to ask you: What do you do to care for your mental health? Share with us on social media by tagging us and using #MyMentalHealthMatters. Keep reading to learn more about Jennifer's story of how she learned to prioritize her mental health, new podcast episodes about coping with postpartum depression, and a fun self-care activity. 

I Didn't Always Show Up for My Mental Health

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, and as we all are faced with unprecedented times, it is the perfect time to check in with ourselves. 

Like really check in and truly answer the question, “How am I doing?”

For me, most days are a range of emotions: fear, joy, sadness, contentment, exhaustion, gratitude. I won’t lie and say that I am 100% all of the time, but as someone who really wasn’t okay, I know the signs and understand what I need in order to ensure my own mental health.

But I didn’t always know how to do this. 

I gave birth to my daughter at 32 weeks exactly. She subsequently spent 39 days in NICU. In the days and months that followed her birth, I experienced a range of mental illnesses that included PTSD, anxiety and PPD. 

However, I did not seek help for several months. Everything was too hard, too overwhelming, and it was happening so fast that I couldn’t stay afloat. My focus was my child and there was often nothing left to give myself. 

New Beyond the NICU Episodes

Check out three newly released episodes of Beyond the NICU for Maternal Mental Health Month, in partnership with Sage Therapeutics. We talk to NICU parents and mental health professionals about their experiences with mental health challenges.

Download Self-Care Coloring Pages

Coloring is therapeutic! Our friend Missi from Gigglebox created some fun self-care-themed coloring pages that are the perfect way to sit and unwind. 

Giving Tuesday Now - Last Chance!

Today is the last day to contribute to our Giving Tuesday Now fundraiser and have a portion of your donation matched! Your gift will ensure that Hand to Hold can continue to provide continuity of support for families like the Pessinas during the COVID-19 crisis.

What Parents Are Saying

"[Being a mentor] is the most rewarding thing I have ever participated in. I love being able to help and give suggestions or just be a ear to listen."

Carol Anne, peer mentor, High Springs, FL

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