mental health Archives - Page 2 of 2

7 05, 2015

Sublimating and Sharing

By Abigail Burd|2019-11-18T14:30:39-08:00May 7th, 2015|Categories: Blog, Parenting|Tags: anxiety, healthy defenses, mental health, parenting, positive parenting|1 Comment

I am proud of my daughter and of myself.

Last week, I saw a flier at my work for a stuffed toy drive in honor of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 4th – May 9th). The toys will be delivered to children who have experienced trauma.

When I came home, we sorted through her stuffed animals to select which ones were ready to be loved by another child. Of course, there were many stuffed animals that hadn’t been played with for years, only to be proclaimed “My favorite! Not that one!”

So I said, “Let’s take a break to read a book.” We read a book called “Just Enough and Not Too Much.” In the book Simon has […]

31 10, 2014

Older First Time Moms at Increased Risk of Depression

By Abigail Burd|2019-11-18T14:30:57-08:00October 31st, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health|Tags: mental health, new mom, perinatal mental health, postpartum, postpartum depression, san diego therapist, therapy for postpartum depression|0 Comments

A recent study showed an increased risk of postpartum depression in women of advanced maternal age. Specifically, first time moms between the ages of 40-44 had statistically higher rates of depression than women ages 30-35.

The MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health reported on the article, which was published last month in a Canadian journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The researchers did not uncover WHY older mothers are at an increased risk for postpartum depression, but they did have two theories. One, they believe it is possible that first time moms over 40 may have more difficultly during pregnancy and a more difficult adjustment to motherhood. Another possibility is that older moms may feel less […]

15 10, 2014

Culture and Language in Therapy with New and Expecting Parents

By Abigail Burd|2019-11-18T14:30:57-08:00October 15th, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health, Postpartum Health Alliance|Tags: evidence based practice, mental health, perinatal mental health, peripartum mental health, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, pregnancy, psychotherapy, san diego therapist, therapy for postpartum anxiety, therapy for postpartum depression|6 Comments

Recently I attended a lecture sponsored by the Postpartum Health Alliance on “Cultural Considerations when Working with Expecting and New Parents.” The lecturer happened to be an old friend of mine, Dr. Mariela Shibley, Psy.D. She shared with a group of maternal mental health practitioners, First Five home visitors, and other professionals interested in helping pregnant and postpartum women. As I focus on helping women of childbearing years in my psychotherapy private practice in San Diego, I always look forward to learning more and connecting with other practitioners at the PHA lectures. You can see more posts inspired by the PHA lectures here: Postpartum Couples and the

23 08, 2014

Some GRAPES a Day Keep the Psychiatrist Away: A Self-Care Checklist

By Abigail Burd|2020-04-18T20:30:54-07:00August 23rd, 2014|Categories: Blog, Mental Wellness|Tags: mental health, mental wellness, postpartum depression, san diego therapist, self care|2 Comments

Everyone knows that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. The vitamins and fiber are great for our physical health. But what about our mental health? Is there something simple to keep the psychiatrist away? Why not try some “grapes”? I am not referring literally to the fruit, although grapes and grape products (ahem, wine) are delicious (in moderation, of course.) I am talking about the acronym “GRAPES”: Gentleness, Relaxation, Accomplishment, Pleasure, Exercise and Social. These elements help keep us happy and content and are ways to practice healthy coping skills. Use the acronym as a way to quickly remember activities to practice self care.

GRAPES for Self Care

Let’s break down the elements of GRAPES. As we go through each one, try to brainstorm activities that […]

16 08, 2014

Is Suicide Preventable? Is it 100% Preventable??

By Abigail Burd|2019-11-18T14:30:59-08:00August 16th, 2014|Categories: Blog, Giveaways/Free Resources, Mental Wellness|Tags: mental health, postpartum depression, san diego resources|4 Comments

Suicide has been in the news a lot this week with the sad passing of Robin Williams. People from all walks of life have been surprised to learn how much the death of an actor has affected them. This week, and perhaps for another week more, the media will talk about depression, mental illness and suicide prevention.

I have worked for a community college mental health counseling center since 2007. In addition to working one on one with students, we work on a campus-wide basis to raise awareness, fight stigma, and promote mental wellness. Typically in any given year, we also sponsor one or two fairs around wellness. During National Suicide Prevention Week (the 2^nd week of September) we often hold suicide prevention […]

30 07, 2014

Save the Date: 9/14/14 Natural Family Fair

By Abigail Burd|2019-11-18T14:31:00-08:00July 30th, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health|Tags: giveaway, mental health, natural baby, perinatal mental health, postpartum anxiety, pregnancy, pregnancy resources, promotion, san diego, san diego therapist, therapy for postpartum depression|1 Comment

I am honored to be accepted as a vendor at this year’s Natural Family Fair. I have enjoyed the Natural Baby Fair in years past, but this will be my first year having a table and representing my own therapy services. This year will be the best ever as Natural Baby Pros has teamed up with our family’s favorite band, Hullaballo, and Reproductive Wellness to present three events on one occasion.

I am looking forward to sharing with the Natural Family Fair attendees how I can help families trying to conceive, considering having a baby or adjusting to pregnancy. My mental health background gives me a solid expertise in helping adults overcome anxiety and depression and I specialize in the particular challenges […]

29 07, 2014

Postpartum Anxiety is More Common Than Postpartum Depression, But Rarely Screened

By Abigail Burd|2019-11-18T14:31:00-08:00July 29th, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health|Tags: mental health, perinatal mental health, postpartum, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, san diego therapist, therapy for postpartum anxiety|2 Comments

Most people have heard of postpartum depression. With good reason. It affects 1 in 7 new mothers. But what about postpartum anxiety? Most studies document that this “other postpartum” mental health concern is even more common than PPD, with as many as 1 in 5 new moms struggling with postpartum anxiety. 1 in 5!

photo credit: sunset girl via unsplash

When suddenly a parent for the first time, there is much to worry about. I remember watching my first baby as a newborn sleep at night, worrying she would stop breathing in the middle of the night. And then there is breastfeeding… is baby getting enough milk? Is she gaining enough weight? Does he […]

14 05, 2014

Helping Parents Overcome the Trauma of the NICU Experience

By Abigail Burd|2014-10-15T09:56:19-07:00May 14th, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health, Postpartum Health Alliance|Tags: mental health, NICU, post traumatic stress, postpartum depression, san diego therapist, therapy for postpartum depression|2 Comments

Thanks to my association with the Postpartum Health Alliance, I recently attended a lecture by Dr. Krishelle Marc-Aurele, of UC San Diego/Rady Children’s Neonatology Division, on “Coping with the NICU experience.” Dr. Marc-Aurele is board certified in pediatrics, internal medicine, neonatalogy, and palliative medicine. She has been a Medical Director at San Diego Hospice and neonatal attending at UCSD. She is also a lovely human being who conveys a genuine caring for her patients, a deep understanding of very difficult times, and a sincere desire for families to overcome the trauma of the NICU experience.

Her talk covered birth stress and birth trauma for parents who have had experiences in the neonatal intensive care unit. I was surprised to learn how prevalent birth trauma can be, which she states […]

3 03, 2014

7 Ways To Find Your Circle of Support When Pregnant and Postpartum

By Abigail Burd|2019-11-18T14:31:01-08:00March 3rd, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health|Tags: depression during pregnancy, mental health, perinatal mental health, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, pregnancy, san diego therapist, therapy for postpartum depression|3 Comments

Pregnancy changes many things. One thing you may find is that your old circle of friends no longer understand what you are going through. Just when you need more support. So how can you find or create support when pregnant or a new parent?

7 ways to find your circle of support when pregnant and postpartum

1. Birth education classes

Challenge yourself to strike up a conversation with at least one interesting woman during one of your birth education classes.

2. Consult existing friends who already have kids

Parents love to give advice to those following their footsteps!

3. Online support

Find a Facebook group of local women going through the same thing. Google+ can be a great place to find communities with common interests. And Babycenter and What to Expect have “birth month clubs” that can be […]

7 02, 2014

Mental Health Starts in the Womb

By Abigail Burd|2014-02-08T16:59:28-08:00February 7th, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health|Tags: depression during pregnancy, mental health, pregnancy|2 Comments

You take your folic acid up to a year before conception… You take your great-aunt’s advice to eat carrots while pregnant so the baby will have good eyesight… But have you thought about your unborn baby’s mental health?

Relax! I don’t mean to pile on more things to worry about. Please read Marcy Axness’ great article on Natural Baby Pros: “Mental Health Begins in the Womb” for the full story. But I’ll give you the takeaway: take care of the mom! Helping a pregnant mom to feel good and manage stress during the pregnancy makes all the difference to her unborn child.

(Photo from the original article.)

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