An Interview with Danielle J. Johnson, MD, FAPA
Lindner Center of HOPE
A woman goes to her doctor and expresses concern that she may be experiencing post-partum depression. Alarmed by the woman’s statement that she sometimes thought of hitting herself or squeezing her baby – though qualified with the statement that she wouldn’t hurt her baby – the office calls the police and the woman is escorted to the hospital, where she is held for hours.
An Interview with Nancy Byatt, D.O., M.S., M.B.A., F.A.P.M.
MCPAP for Moms
Care for Your Mind approached Dr. Nancy Byatt, Medical Director at MCPAP for Moms, about the broader issue of maternal mental health. The incident in Sacramento caused us to take another look at the maternal mental health series we ran in February and March of 2016, which Dr. Byatt had helped to orchestrate.
Susan Weinstein, Editor in Chief
Care for Your Mind
Black History Month provides an opportunity to consider the lives of African-Americans and other Black people in the U.S. At Care for Your Mind, every week we look at issues of quality of and access to mental health care. That leads us to approaching Black History Month with the objective of recognizing barriers to care today, understanding why they exist, and seeking answers to the question of what can be done to improve both the quality of and access to mental health care.
Anuja Dokras, MD, PhD, Director, PENN Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Center, Medical Director, Reproductive Surgical Facility
Carmina Charles, MD, Endocrinologist, Florida Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center
Sasha Ottey, Executive Director of PCOS Challenge, Inc.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormone disorder in women. Some parts of the world report that close to one-quarter of their female population is affected by PCOS. The impact of PCOS is far-reaching and can lead to some of the most distressing, painful, uncomfortable, and expensive burdens on health and quality of life.
Dr. John Barry, Honorary Lecturer in Psychology, University College London
What we know about PCOS and mental health
Women with PCOS are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than other women. This is likely due to the unwanted symptoms of PCOS, such as acne, body hair, menstrual problems, fertility problems, and weight gain.
Andrea M. Braverman, PhD
Associate Director of the Educational Core, Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University
Sasha Ottey
Executive Director of PCOS Challenge, Inc.
Mental and emotional wellness should be included in the health care and management of women and girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Having a chronic condition is challenging for anyone’s mental health, especially if battling a mysterious illness or one perceived to have established control over one’s body.
Audrey Holsclaw and Dr. Gretchen Kubacky
CFYM developed this four-part series in collaboration with The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association. According to the National Institute of Health, women with PCOS are more likely to have mood disorders.
Audrey’s story is a powerful testament to the ways in which polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related psychological issues can have a profoundly negative effect on quality of life – and of how taking action can dramatically change life for the better. The PCOS Psychologist, Dr. Gretchen Kubacky (“Dr. Gretchen”), comments throughout, and offers three action steps you can follow now. Here is Audrey’s story:
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller
The mental health care system is notoriously divided into silos of narrow interests. Not only is mental health seen as distinct from physical health, and distinct from substance use disorders, but there is little collaboration – or even conversation – between and among people living with mental health conditions and their families, mental health care providers, professional associations, advocacy organizations, researchers, community health centers, hospital systems, and so on. This division works against our ability to effectively and collectively advocate for improvements to the mental health care system.
You Care, Help Share During Mental Health Awareness Month Families for Depression Awareness
For Mental Health Awareness Month, Families for Depression Awareness has launched #YouCareHelpShare, a campaign to provide education and encouragement to family caregivers. Through the distribution of caregiver education materials and a social media awareness campaign, we aim to help caregivers all across the U.S. get the support, information, and resources they need to be effective partners in care.
The importance of caregivers
Caregivers of people with depression or bipolar disorder play a crucial role in their loved ones’ lives. Parents, spouses, siblings, and other close connections are pivotal in recognizing a problem, accessing care, and lending sup...
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