Bridging Knowledge and Experience: Real Talk on Postpartum Depression

Dear Listeners,

We know that health and wellbeing is not just the absence of disease and it  encompasses the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of individuals. Today, let's talk about mental health. Mental health is a huge contributor to how we function and respond to life stressors and manage our emotions on a day to day bases. More specifically today's discussion focuses on maternal mental health. Often times we hear terms like "Baby Blues" when describing the experiences that mothers may have with mental health during pregnancy or after delivery. Although giving birth is very common and many women do it everyday but with in that process some women struggle with mental health issues like Postpartum Depression. The world Health Organization emphasizes that all women during pregnancy and in the first year after delivery can be at risk of postpartum depression. One could say that those who may be struggling with mental health issues hope not to struggle in silence, need support, do not want to go through these things alone,  or do not want their mental health to be dismissed. These things can play a huge role in recovery and your experience when struggling. Bermuda, "We are not an Island". Bermuda, lets be mindful of those around us, check on your moms, be support where you can, help to stop the stigma around mental health and if you need help and support yourself know that you are not alone. 

This episode of Bermuda Health-Abets, a podcast where we discuss everything from A to Z on healthy living, is dubbed Bridging Knowledge and Experience: Real Talk on Postpartum Depression. #EmpoweringInformingandMotivating Bermuda residents to live well.

Our guests this episode is Vakita Baseden, Mental Health Program Coordinator, Department of Health. During this episode Vakita defines postpartum depression vs. "Baby Blues", talks about her experience as a mother who experienced postpartum depression, the supports she received from family, her perspective as a mental health practitioner and going through this, how this may have changed her approach to care as a mental health professional, and what helped her through this difficult time. As you tune into this touching and insightful episode consider how you can help those around you who may be struggling or if you need help know that there are resources here to support you. "We are not an Island". 

If you have a question you need answered or a topic you would like to hear on Bermuda Health-Abets email healthpromotion@gov.bm. To listen to upcoming segments of Bermuda Health-Abets you can find us here on Facebook , on our YouTube Chanel @DepartmentofHealthBermuda Like and subscribe to the page, on Apple Podcast, or Spotify Podcast. 

Thank you for listening!

Empowering, Informing and Motivating Bermuda Residents to Live Well