Giving a Face and Voice to Perinatal Emotional Concerns

 Wednesday, September 30, 2015 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Perinatal emotional disorders are the most common complication from childbirth, however there is very little conversation or systematic identification and treatment of these disorders leaving many women struggling in silence, sometimes with dangerous consequences. During this workshop, participants will view the documentary film Dark Side of the Full Moon, featuring the stories of women across the country struggling with perinatal emotional disorders and their attempts to get treatment. The film contains poignant and honest portrayals of the experiences of the women in the film, the recollection of their stories and some images might be emotionally distressing for some. The program will also include a panel discussion facilitated by clinicians who work with new moms and their families and learn about resources available in Massachusetts.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the prevalence and common presentations of perinatal emotional disorders in women

• Access and refer women to resources in Massachusetts that will help women struggling with perinatal emotional disorders

• Develop a greater awareness of how women across the country are struggling with lack of resources and support for perinatal emotional disorders

• Engage in a discussion about how to become an advocate for pregnant women and new moms who are experiencing perinatal emotional disorders

   

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  Program Code: PEC2

  2 CE Credits for psychologists, social workers, LMHCs, educators and nurses

  Location: William James College, Newton

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  Margaret Hannah, Med, is the Executive Director of the Freedman Center for Child and Family Development at William James College. She received her master’s degree in education with a concentration in community counseling and psychology from the University of Miami.  She has worked in schools and agencies for over 25 years, designing and developing programs and facilitating teacher and parent education and support groups.  She has also taught at the elementary school level.  She has served as a project director for three federal grants for the delivery of mental health services within schools, and a grant to integrate mental health services between schools and community agencies.  She serves on many committees and task forces within the state of Massachusetts advocating for mental health services, including the Massachusetts Academy of Pediatrics Mental Health Task Force, the referral subcommittee of the Governor’s Commission on Post-Partum Depression and the City of Newton City-wide Emergency Response Team (CERT).  In addition to serving as Executive Director of the Freedman Center at William James College, she teaches in the School Psychology Department as Adjunct Faculty.