Jeanne Clevenger, Psy.D.

One of my best friends from high school now an accomplished journalist wrote this beautiful, moving, and personal piece about black motherhood. It is such an important reflection about the gaps in black maternal health care, both literally and in the media’s portrayal of what it means to be a black mother in America. Please read!

It’s Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (May 4-8)! I’m partnering with The Blue Dot Project to spread information and advocate for moms and moms-to-be who may be experiencing anxiety and depression, especially during this unprecedented time of uncertainty. Please reach out to me (Private message or via my website contact info) if you have any questions or concerns. I will be posting information all week! The worries about the COVID pandemic can increase anxiety and worsen mood during pregnancyboth of which are known risk factors for maternal mental health concerns during the pregnancy and postpartum period. More than ever, there is a great need for increased emotional support for perinatal women. https://www.thebluedotproject.org/whataremmhdisorders #MMHWeek2020 @TheBlueDotProject

WARNING: The following post discusses suicide and scary thoughts in honor of #SuicidePrevention awareness week. You may have experienced some of these thoughts at some point during your pregnancy or postpartum. These are warning signs that you need additional support or help. In fact, there are a few things to watch out for:... - fantasies about escaping/disappearing - thoughts of not waking up again - thinking about conveniently being injured fatally by someone else - feelings of isolation or worthlessness - or the triad of: I am alone, I am a burden, and things will never get better If you or anyone you know has these thoughts we want you to remember: You are NOT a burden. Those who love you want you here, with all that you are going through. With help, you will be well. If you are in crisis (or are a friend/family of someone in crisis!) call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (tel:1-800-273-8255) or Postpartum Support International Hotline (tel:1-800-944-4773) If you are not in crisis, go see a professional. Don’t know where to start? Start with your doctor, mental health professional, doula, midwife, or anyone you feel comfortable telling. They might recommend a combination of medication and therapy. That’s common, and you are NOT A BAD mom if you need any of those things. We know you are fighting. We know it is hard, and sometimes every day, every minute is a battle to choose to stay. You matter, you are loved, and you deserve to feel the love you give to everyone else. #knowmomfacts #momsarenotimmune #maternalmentalhealth

FACT: As many as 66% of postpartum women with depression have comorbid disorders, with almost 83% being anxiety disorders. LOOK FOR: Not all postpartum mental disorders look the same! Be aware for signs of hopelessness, excessive mood swings, extreme anxiety, isolation/withdrawal, disorientation, and a lack of a support system in yourself or other postpartum women.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of maternal death in the US and THE leading cause of maternal death in other countries, such as Japan, the UK, and Ireland. However the US does not require states to report maternal suicide rates. In honor of 2020 Mom’s Maternal Suicide Awareness Campaign, I’ll be posting facts like these to raise awareness and begin conversation about prevention, treatment, and to erase stigma about peripartum mental health. #KnowMomFacts because #MomsAreNotImmune. Learn more about maternal suicide at https://www.2020mom.org/maternal-suicide-awareness #WSPD2019

One of my best friends from high school now an accomplished journalist wrote this beautiful, moving, and personal piece about black motherhood. It is such an important reflection about the gaps in black maternal health care, both literally and in the media’s portrayal of what it means to be a black mother in America. Please read!

This is being passed around, and such a beautiful perspective on the sacrifices of motherhood.

Remember. Honor. Be sensitive to those mothers in your life who have loved and lost. Be loving to yourself if you have lost.

Resources, for how the sexual trauma retold today may have triggered you...

Happy Mother’s Day to ALL women the ones who have given birth, the ones who have adopted or fostered, the ones who are still dreaming and hoping, the ones who have lost and are grieving, the ones who are struggling, the ones who are laughing, the ones who are crying, the ones who are fighting, the ones who are cuddling, the ones who are in constant anxiety about their hearts running around outside themselves, the ones who are sitting in an empty nest, the ones who are missing, the ones who are vessels to create ANYTHING outside of themselves whether it be art, professional goals, enduring relationships, hope, or humans. You are all blessed, strong women and we honor you today.

The holiday season can bring joy, wonder, and celebration to families coming together. However, it can also bring stress, tears, conflict, and worry. One way to manage the roller coaster is to ACCEPT all the thoughts, feelings, sensations, memories, and relational dynamics that will come your way. "Acceptance" does not mean enjoying or even liking these experiences. But by ACCEPTING them -- instead of FIGHTING, CONTROLLING, AVOIDING, OR DENYING them -- you diminish their power over you, and you will get to regain ownership of your experience. Be present. Be kind to yourself. Be intentional. And have a Merry Christmas!

I had the privilege of being an on-air guest on AirTalk with Larry Mantle this morning about how people (especially women, since that is my specialty) typically process and choose to share experiences of sexual harassment and assault with others, in light of the Weinstein allegations and the #MeToo campaign. Listen to the radio program here! I'm honored to be part of building awareness surrounding these still relevant abuses, and to help women feel empowered to speak up. http://www.scpr.org//following-weinstein-metoo-and-letter/