Lorena Aynalem, LCSW, PMH-C

#GivingTuesday If it is in you and you have the means, consider donating to Postpartum Support International CA Chapter. . PSI-CA is the CA chapter of Postpartum Support International (PSI). We are newly established and our mission is to promote equity and inclusion in awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to pregnancy, childbearing, and parenting in California. ... . PSI has been helping families since 1987. They run groups and a warm line among many other services FREE of charge so families can get the support they need. As a newly established chapter, we hope to continue PSI's mission and support to families in CA along with an emphasis on equity and inclusion. . As someone who experienced postpartum Anxiety and Depression, I can honestly say that it can be a very dark, lonely, shameful place. NO ONE SHOULD GO THROUGH IT ALONE. . I volunteer my time to this organization because PSI MAKES A DIFFERENCE. . Please consider donating and/or becoming a member if the means are there. If not, consider supporting by referring people to our organization, asking a birthing person how they are "really" doing and listening to how the transition has impacted them. .. https://bit.ly/2Jquhst See more

As we gather our thoughts today, grateful for the many things we have in our lives, let us not forget the history that also comes along with this holiday. As many give thanks, many also mourn. #Alwaysremember our #nativeamericanfamily. #nativeamericanheritagemonth #grateful #givethanks... #voicesunheard See more

I’m feeling overwhelmed I need a break and can’t get one Even when I get a break, Im not able to relax #COVIDanxiety... #COVIDstress #COVIDburnout #mentalwellbeingtips As we approach the end of the year continuing to deal with the uncertainty of what the future will look like due to COVID, stress, anxiety and overwhelm are at a sky high for many.Holiday stress is magnified by so much uncertainty about how it will play out this year will we get get to see our family, what-if case scenarios about possibly getting sick, thoughts about how the holiday season will impact our children’s experience.IT.IS.TOO.MUCH Due to the uncertainty of the future, many of us have reached #survivalmode and our bodies and brain are letting us know it. Our #nervoussystem is on overdrive in #fightflightfreeze mode. Regardless of the many efforts to distract ourselves from the chaos of #2020 and/or trying to stay positive, our bodies are #keepingthescore and letting us know we are not feeling safe and secure headaches, sleep disturbance, aches and pains, feeling keyed up are just a few of the many that you may notice. Connecting with our body and in ways that lets our body and #nervoussystem know that we are safe can help with stress, anxiety and overwhelm reduction. Practicing #mindfulness is great way to do this. With so many of us having less and less time due to the #pandemic, #mindfulness is an effective tool to try that does not take too much time. From one tired, overwhelm #mamahuman to another, #wegotthis

VOTE VOTE VOTE Keeping the Blue Wave going by volunteering to complete postcard kits to voters in swing state and counties en español.... Your vote counts. Su voto cuenta. #sisepuede #stayhomestayactive #bluewave2020 #grassrootsdemocratshq #votelikeyourmentalhealthdependsonit

You are not alone in this The end of the year can already be such a challenging time for many. Throwing in COVID and #allthethings that come along with #covidchanges the end of year can feel even more overwhelming for some. PSI CONTACT ... #Repost @psi_ca_chapter with @make_repost Starting the holiday season may feel stressful and even more overwhelming for new parents due to the pandemic. There’s help for you! We’re here to support you and provide resources that can help you feel less lonely. Contact our PSI HELPLINE: CALL or TEXT 1-800-944-4773 PRESS #1 for Spanish or text (971)420-0294 #psicalifornia #motherhood #psica #maternalmentalhealth #parenting

#nationalcomingoutday is today Thirty-two years ago, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, the day was first observed as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out. 1 in 2 Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian.... 1 in 10 Americans has someone close to them who is transgender #lgbtq #lgbtqrights #humanrights #lgbtqally

#covidanxiety #covidrelief Eight months ago our lives changed completely, not knowing how long this change would last. Many anticipated a long stretch of change, never anticipating exactly how it would feel.... As we near the end of the year continuing to live among this COVID change, many of us are suffering more and more - fatigue, hopelessness, disconnection, overwhelm. Many are barely holding it together, drowning as we work from home, manage virtual teaching and careers, home/child/partner/family needs, not to mention our own needs (what is that?!). The burn out is feeling more and more heavy. We are noticing our mood impacted, our partners, children, family and friends mood impacted. We’re noticing our children’s behavior changing, a lack of desire to learn remotely, anxiety and depression. We cope the best we can. I see it everyday. The experience of COVID and all the changes that have come with COVID, is not normal. Therefore, it is only natural and normal to feel out of sorts. It is okay to: - do less - get more rest - ask for space to decompress - take a day off - not complete all kids school assignments some days - take a sick day - ask your partner to help more - get a COVID safe sitter - watch tv with your children - have the kids watch tv more than we would regularly do - etc etc etc (y’all get my drift) The main point I’m trying to make is that most of us are in survival mode. Things will not look like how they did pre-COVID regardless of how much we try most days. THAT IS OKAY. If there is one thing I would walk away with from this post is to have, TRY to have, self compassion for yourself. Perfectionism and too high of expectations can most definitely impact our mood negatively. The most difficult times for many of us are the ones we give ourselves. Yet it’s never too late or too early to practice loving-kindness - Pema Chödrön

1 in 4 1 in 4 1 in 4 Pregnancy and Infant Loss happens more often than many think.... October is #pregnancyandinfantlossawarenessmonth. We remember today, tomorrow and always. #istandwithyou #iholdyouinmyheart #pregnancyloss #infantloss (Repost) Thank you @letstalkpregnancyloss for your words and courage. Please stop saying at least it was early Please stop saying it wasn’t the right time Please stop saying you can always try again Please stop saying everything happens for a reason Please stop saying at least you weren’t THAT pregnant Please stop saying you are so young you can just try again Words hurt. Whether you lost your baby at 6 weeks. Whether you lost your baby at 12 weeks. Whether you lost your baby at 16 weeks. Whether you lost your baby at 20+ weeks. Your pregnancy loss matters. Your grief matters. Your tears matter. You matter. Written by - Bindi Photo Credit: Emily Newman Artist

#Repost @psi_ca_chapter with @make_repost Resource opportunity for BIPOC providers Please apply here: https://pmhapoc.org/scholarships/... #bipoctherapistsneeded in the #perintalmentalhealth world. Posted @withregram @bothbrownand_ The Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color (PMHA-POC) is thrilled to offer scholarships for BIPOC providers to attend perinatal mental health trainings offered by Postpartum Support International. PMHA-POC's mission is to build capacity among perinatal professionals to better support individuals, families, and communities of color around perinatal mood & anxiety disorders. Our scholarships are one key piece of our work towards this mission! Are you a provider who identifies as a BIPOC and who is interested in receiving specialized training in perinatal mental health? Please apply here: https://pmhapoc.org/scholarships/ #psicali #perinatalmentalhealth #bipoctherapists

#latinxheritagemonth #latinaownedbusiness #decolonizeyourmind #daughterofimmigrants... I stand on the shoulders and the wisdom of my latinx gente that have come before me. Those that have made the incredible sacrifices that have allowed me to have the opportunities that I have and have had. A proud Salvadoran who has had a very hot/cold relationship with the Land of Opportunity. My history and that of my family’s history is very much intertwined with a love/hate relationship that the US has with immigrants. Mi gente. Nadia sabe to que mañana traerá. Este día soy una Latina con mi propio negoció orgullosa de aver completado muchas metas, pero nunca olvidando mi cultura y los sacrificios de mis padres y antepasados. Everyday I celebrate my heritage. I don’t know anything else but too. September is a month when many others join in and the live is appreciated.

#Repost @drkendraflorescarter with @make_repost Hello I am Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter the current President of Postpartum Support International CA Chapter (PSI-CA). Now more than ever before our mommies, daddies, and families are feeling isolated and alone during this pandemic. PSI- CA wants to invite you to participate in our state-wide "Climb Out of Darkness Virtual Walk" on October 10th to bring awareness to many who are struggling significantly with stressors related to... mental well-being during these very uncertain times. We are asking everyone to join our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1083036415406692 to post messages or videos of themselves virtually participating. The page is private so only the closed group participants will be able to see the content. "The mission of Postpartum Support International-CA is to promote equity and inclusion in awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to pregnancy, childbearing, and parenting in California" https://psichapters.com/ca #cotdca2020 #psicalifornia #psicali #maternalmentalhealth #perinatalmentalhealth #postpartumdepression #pmads

CLIMB OUT OF THE DARKNESS CLIMB On October 10th, PSI-CA is hosting the first California-wide virtual Climb Out of the Darkness! Climbers can post photos or videos of themselves talking or commenting about their PMADs experiences, their experiences with the Climb in the past, their survivor story, an inspiration from their battle with PMADs, or anything else that might be meaningful to them. ... If you are not ready to actively participate with a post of your own, feel free to just get support by looking at others' posts. At the end of the day, Climb leaders and the PSI California Board will hold a Facebook live event to recap the day. Anyone can join this group--those struggling now, survivors, family members, friends, or community members who support the Climb. We look forward to climbing out with you! Join the PSI-CA virtual Climb Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1083036415406692. Donations link: https://climbout2020.causevox.com/team/team-california-

Check out best tips / advice for making a marriage work by Rachel Facio, LMFT. Tip #1: The Quality (Not Quantity) of Your Sex Life Is What Counts... Tip #2: Boundaries Are Your Friend Check out the link for more: https://www.brides.com//pieces-of-best-marriage-advice-eve

The Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color (PMHA-POC) offer scholarships for providers of color to attend perinatal mental health trainings offered by Postpartum Support International. PMHA-POC's mission is to build capacity among perinatal professionals to better support individuals, families, and communities of color.

Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation. - RBG The loss of an incredible social justice fighter is difficult. Let us mourn today and fight tomorrow. This moment can be the birth of a renewed fight for the movement.... #idessent #restinpower #notoriousrbg #sisepuede #parenthood #socialjustice

@dannythetransdad I’ve always known that I wanted to carry a child in this current body of mine. No, I likely won’t be able to #chestfeed my child, but the freedom I’ve felt over the last eight years of living my authentic truth, is exactly why I’m alive today to carry my child. Every body is different. Every body is sacred. #Repost @psi_ca_chapter with @make_repost Thanks for this repost from the incredible @dannythetransdad @psiutah.... @dannythetransdad - I’m six months into my #pregnancyjourney. I’m noticing changes in my body that feel sacred and changes that create insecurities. But when I stop and examine those insecurities, they are typically rooted in the judgment of others and of myself. Sometimes they are rooted in #dysphoria: my voice has changed, my face and body have changed and my chest has changed. But even those minor amounts of dysphoria are temporary. My body is ever changing, and right now it’s doing one of the most sacred things possible. After I have my #baby my body will continue to change, so what I see and hear right now are only temporary and I’ll never be in this exact moment or body again. So when I hear my voice rise, I sit with it as if it were an old friend only passing through for a short time. And when I look at my chest and body, I see the shell that’s creating my #child, and how can I see anything other than beauty through that lens? I’ve always known that I wanted to carry a child in this current body of mine. No, I likely won’t be able to #chestfeed my child, but the freedom I’ve felt over the last eight years of living my authentic truth, is exactly why I’m alive today to carry my child. Every body is different. Every body is sacred. #seahorsedad #transdad #transgender #transisbeautiful #selflove #trans #love #loveyourself #sixmonthspregnant

#Repost @postpartumsupportinternational with @make_repost NEW SUPPORT GROUP ALERT PSI is announcing a new monthly online support group for South Asian moms!... Our online groups are here to help you connect with other moms, talk about your experience, and learn about helpful tools and resources in a culturally sensitive and safe space with other South Asian mamas. Whether you are going through stress, adjustment to parenting, baby blues, or pregnancy or postpartum depression/anxiety, our groups are here for you. Earlier this year, Nima Bhakta lost her battle with postpartum depression (PPD) and died by suicide. Following this tragedy, Nima’s family courageously decided to share her story to raise awareness about PPD and help erase the stigma associated with PPD. The hashtag #BreakTheStigma4Nima has sparked conversations with people from all over the world about PPD, highlighting the significant lack of awareness and acceptance of mental illness in the South Asian community. These gaps in acknowledging and understanding mental health are even more prevalent with regard to PPD and how it can impact a mother's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Because of this, for too long mothers have been too ashamed to get the help that they so desperately need when suffering from PPD. Nima’s family hopes that by coming together as a community and raising awareness in the community they can create meaningful change, break the stigma for Nima, and make it easier for mothers suffering from PPD to get the help they need. In support of #BreakTheStigma4Nima and as part of PSI's commitment to raising awareness about perinatal mental health in the South Asian community, Desi Mom Chaat was created to hold space for South Asian moms to speak honestly and support each other around mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum. Register here: https://www.postpartum.net/get/psi-online-support-meetings/

Perinatal mental wellbeing is important. YOU are important. You don’t have to do it alone. PSI can help. If you or someone you know is struggling with your mental health before, during and after pregnancy, reach out. PSI can provide you with resources to receive the support you need during this time. PSI 24 hour helpline:... Call: 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) #1 Espanol or #2 English Text: 503-894-9453(English) 971-420-0294 (Espanol) PSI Helpline is not a crisis line. If you are in crisis: Call 911 or Call the National Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 Website: https://psichapters.com #psicalifornia #postpartumsupport #postpartumdepression #postpartumanxiety See more