PSI Welcomes Keynote Speaker SAMHSA's Dr.
Nima Sheth, Plans Sessions and
Trainings Focused on Military Families, People of Color, Fathers,
and More
WASHINGTON, July 23,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In its ongoing effort to provide
support to parents, build community, raise awareness about
perinatal mental health disorders (PMHDs), and educate health
professionals, nonprofit Postpartum Support International (PSI) is
hosting its 37th annual conference July 26-28 at the Grand Hyatt in
Washington. Despite their prevalence — research shows
postpartum depression and other PMHDs, including anxiety,
obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder,
bipolar disorder, and psychosis affect 800,000 people a year —
there is significant stigma around getting help. Research shows
that 25% of people suffering from a PMHD receive support or
treatment, and many parents are unaware that what they are
experiencing is temporary and treatable.
"Our annual conference is always a special event because we get
a chance to collaborate, learn, and share the latest developments
in perinatal metal health with an outstanding community, and
meeting in our nation's capital is particularly significant given
the importance of improving perinatal mental health awareness and
access to care on a national level," said Wendy Davis PhD, PMH-C,
President and CEO of Postpartum Support International.
During the conference, hundreds of volunteers, mental health
professionals, healthcare providers, researchers, and advocates
will gather to be trained and learn from colleagues, hear from
experts in the field about latest research and treatment
developments, and strengthen the network of parents and
professionals that is changing the dialogue about perinatal
mental health.
Nima Sheth, M.D., M.P.H.,
Associate Administrator for Women's Services (AAWS) at the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA),
who is one of the primary leaders of the Maternal Mental Health
Taskforce, will give keynote remarks.
"I am honored to join Postpartum Support International for its
annual conference," Sheth said. "The task force is building a
national infrastructure that prioritizes perinatal mental health
and well-being with a focus on reducing disparities. For years, PSI
has been doing just that, and we look forward to continuing to work
together to ensure every person who needs support gets it. It is
exciting to have so many leaders in this field together here in
Washington."
Conference sessions, led by a wide variety of perinatal mental
health experts from across the country, will include "Supporting
Fathers in New Parenthood: Dads' Personal & Professional
Paths"; "Racial Trauma and Unrealistic Expectations on Black
Motherhood: Navigating Challenges, Inspiring Resilience"; and
"Military Mothers and Maternal Mental Health: Unique Challenges and
Opportunities." In addition to the sessions, there will be an open
house hosted by the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of
Color. Interviews are available by appointment. Contact
Kim Lehman at kalehmanpr@gmail.com
or 717-599-0891 to schedule.
Parents and their loved ones should know support and care are
available, and you don't need a diagnosis to get help. PSI offers
coordination, comfort, and peer support, helping people find the
right resources online and in their own communities, including in
the Washington area. Parents can
call or text the PSI Helpline for support and resources at
1-800-944-4773 (English and Spanish); text "help" to 1-800-944-4773
(English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish); or visit postpartum.net.
PSI has an online Perinatal Mental Health Provider Directory
that lists specialized groups and providers with their location and
insurance coverage and operates a Perinatal Psychiatric
Consultation line through which any medical provider can consult
with an expert perinatal psychiatrist at no charge. PSI
facilitates dozens of virtual support groups including those for
military families, fathers, LGBTQIA+ families, Spanish speakers,
and more.
About Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support International (PSI) was founded by a new mother
in 1987 to increase awareness among public and professional
communities about the emotional difficulties parents can experience
during and after pregnancy. PSI offers a wealth of resources for a
wide range of needs, situations, and audiences to give families the
strongest and healthiest start possible through support and
community. PSI also offers support, resources, best-practice
training and certification for healthcare professionals and
volunteer coordinators nationwide and in more than 30 countries.
PSI is committed to eliminating stigma and ensuring compassionate
and quality care and support are available to all families. Need
help? Call 1-800-944-4PPD (4773), visit postpartum.net, or
download the Connect by PSI app.
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SOURCE Postpartum Support International