Parent Mental Health Research Clinic

11/18/2022

The holidays are right around the corner! While for many people this season represents a time of joy and reconnection, others may find this time of year difficult emotionally. If you have concerns about the approaching season, whether it be about emotional well-being or related to health during the on-going pandemic, Oregon.gov has shared resources on coping. Practicing self-care, setting boundaries in relationships, and taking time to feel and process emotions are always helpful tools, particularly around the holidays. Click the link below to learn more and for a helpful list of resources in Oregon if you need to reach out.

If you find it hard to fully enjoy the holidays, you are not alone. All of us are figuring out how to celebrate in ways that support our health, which is more than protecting against COVID-19. Here are some ways to support your mental and emotional health as you prepare for the holidays.

10/21/2022

If you are the parent of a youth struggling with addiction, consider attending this free educational event hosted by the Center for Parenting and Opioids at UO on Nov 17th.

09/06/2022

Study Announcement!📣📣📣

We're looking to connect with pregnant persons with different mental health histories for our totally virtual study on self-harm, su***de, and general mental health during pregnancy and postpartum.

Learn more about how to join by clicking the link below, or consider spreading the word by sharing our post! 🌻

https://parentmentalhealth.com/research/stepps/

08/30/2022

What are the "baby blues"? More than half of birthing parents report emotional disturbances (e.g., feeling down or anxious, loss of interest in activities, low energy) in the first few weeks postpartum. However, approximately 1 in 7 birthing people experience more persistent, severe symptoms.

If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, there are resources that can help. First, speak with your medical and/or mental health care providers. There are also nonprofit groups in Oregon dedicated to helping parents experiencing distress due to emotional disturbance, infertility, loss of pregnancy, and a number of other issues. In Portland, Baby Blues Connection provides education and support groups for parents and their families (classes are also available on Zoom)! In Eugene, WellMama also hosts peer-led support groups as well as providing support through text message and Facebook groups.

To learn more, watch the video below from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect women shortly before or soon after childbirth, but commonly begins within a month after delivery. Th...

08/18/2022

We had so much fun preparing gift boxes for our participants in the STEPP study who have just had their babies! Thank you to Meow Meow Tweet, Earth Mama Organics, Badger Balm, and MSskincare for their generous donations of wonderful products for our new parents!

If you are pregnant and want to participate in STEPPS, or want to learn more, visit our website at www.parentmentalhealth.com/research/stepps

08/12/2022

Please consider participating in the Out of Darkness Walk, sponsored by the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention, happening at Alton Baker Park at 11:00 AM on 9/25/22!

"The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which su***de and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about."

I'm supporting American Foundation for Su***de Prevention to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by su***de. Please support me with a donation or join me!

07/24/2022

Important Update! The National Su***de Prevention Lifeline has a new name & way to get in touch that reduces barriers to accessibility.

You can now receive crisis support by *CALLING OR TEXTING 988* or visiting 988lifeline.org/chat.

You do not need to be suicidal to use this resource. See the link below for more info, and please share with family & friends!

Today is a historical day for su***de prevention and mental health in the U.S.! The National Su***de Prevention Lifeline, now known as the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, can be more easily reached by calling or texting 988, or chatting on 988lifeline.org.

988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You do not have to be suicidal to reach out. Our trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing.

We're so grateful to SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission, and our other su***de prevention and mental health partners in the field for working together to get us here, and we look forward to growing and expanding our services and supports in the years to come.

07/15/2022

"I wanted to find a way to normalize this transition [to parenthood], to explain that discomfort is not always the same thing as disease."

Reproductive psychiatrist Alexandra Sacks speaks about the emotional transition to parenthood for birthing people, preserving your identity, and normalizing different experiences in the face of expectations.

When a baby is born, so is a mother -- but the natural (and sometimes unsteady) process of transition to motherhood is often silenced by shame or misdiagnosed as postpartum depression. In this quick, informative talk, reproductive psychiatrist Alexandra Sacks breaks down the emotional tug-of-war of....

06/08/2022

Are you pregnant? Or know someone who is?

We are recruiting parents-to-be in Oregon for a new study! Our goal is to better understand the emotional experiences of pregnant people during pregnancy and postpartum.

Visit our website: www.parentmentalhealth.com/research/STEPPS
for more information and to take a quick survey to see if you're eligible.

06/06/2022

Are you pregnant? Or know someone who is?

We are recruiting parents-to-be in Oregon for a new study! Our goal is to better understand the emotional experiences of pregnant people during pregnancy and postpartum.

Visit our website: www.parentmentalhealth.com/research/STEPPS for more information and to take a quick survey to see if you're eligible.

05/04/2022

May is month!

Every day this month, CBS Mornings will feature important discussions about mental health.

Here is Dr. Jamie Howard of the Child Mind Institute providing advice for having conversations with your children about their mental health.

Dr. Howard advises parents to use open-ended questions. She says, "You don't want to go in expecting you know the answer, kids will always surprise you."

04/06/2022

Dr. Maureen Zalewski, director of the PMHRC, spoke on adult mental health, trauma, and care at the Eugene City Club!

“Parents with mental health disorders, and their children, need society’s sustained empathy and attention."

This second-of-two City Club programs on mental health focuses on the issue of Adult Mental Health, Trauma and Care. “Kids’ Mental Health” was the topic of o...