47: Mental Health Support for New Moms | Adrienne Griffen of Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance

Adrienne Griffen, MPP, takes us on an insightful journey into the world of maternal mental health. She discusses the prevalence and wide range of mental health conditions that can arise during pregnancy and postpartum, including anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and, in some cases, psychosis. Adrienne opens up about her personal experience with postpartum depression, emphasizing the importance of education, advocacy, and access to resources for mothers facing similar challenges. She also highlights new treatment options, including revolutionary medications, and underscores the critical role of self-care, social support, and therapy. Adrienne explains the urgent need for widespread education and routine screening, as well as the importance of equipping families with tools to offer effective support. 

 

Connect with Adrienne Griffen: 

Adrienne Griffen, MPP, is an advocate and nationally recognized expert in the field of maternal mental health. She is a sought-after speaker and educator, using her lived experience (laced with humor) to engage audiences on issues surrounding the mental health and wellbeing of our nation’s mothers. Adrienne is the Executive Director of Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the mental health of mothers and childbearing people in the United States with a focus on national policy and health equity. Adrienne serves on the National Maternal Mental Health Task Force, and on the Boards of Directors of the Marce Society of North America and the Mental Health Liaison Group. She also founded Postpartum Support Virginia, which she led for ten years. She lives in Arlington, VA with her husband and three young adult children. 

 

mmhla.org/fact-sheets

postpartumva.org

 

 

Episode Timestamps:

• (01:30) Defining maternal mental health
• (03:15) Adrienne’s personal experience with PPD
• (05:30) Current trends and interventions; Postpartum Support International
• (10:50) Innovative treatments and medications; mental health screenings
• (17:00) Supporting new moms and families
• (19:45) Advocating for yourself and others

 

 

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Watch this episode on YouTube:

youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod

 

 

Connect with Rachel:

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