The Perinatal Mental Health Alliance is proud to have the current Mrs. Maine, Kristin Walton, as one of our honorary members.   Becoming Mrs. Maine has been a dream of Kristin's for the purpose of making a difference for women suffering with depression.  Becoming Mrs. Maine is not all about beauty and glamour, nor the status of wearing the crown.  It also serves the conduit of working compassionately towards a cause that will truly make a difference in someone's life.  Kristin's cause is helping women with depression.

For the past several months Kristin has been publicly speaking about her personal experiences with living with postpartum depression and clinical depression throughout most of her life.  She has been working with Sweetser as well as The Perinatal Mental Health Alliance of Southern Maine and has the backing and support of Senator Nancy Sullivan.

Would you please join us in attending a send-off party for Kristin at Pedro O'Hara's in Freeport, Maine on Thursday July 10, 2008 from 6-9pm.  The cost per person to attend will be $10.00 for a wine and margarita tasting along with light appetizers.  Pedro O'Hara's full menu will be available for those who wish to stay for dinner.  A silent auction will also take place with many fine products and services from some of her gracious sponsors.  We hope you will consider attending in order to help this fine Maine woman take her important message of hope to the national pageant.  We look forward to seeing you on July 10th!

To learn more about Kristin, please visit her website at www.kristinwalton.com

Our Mission...

We are a network of health professionals and parents who are dedicated to providing education and support for women who are experiencing or at risk for prenatal or postpartum mood and/or anxiety disorders by:

•  Increasing education, screening, and awareness
•  Implementing peer support groups
•  Providing trainings for healthcare providers and consumers
•  Building community collaboration

The Perinatal Experience...

The term "perinatal" refers to the time period including pregnancy and the year after delivery.  Women can experience a perinatal mood disorder at any time during the perinatal period.  Until recently, "postpartum depression" has been the most widely used term to describe a mood disorder associated with pregnancy.  Because mood disorders can occur not only during postpartum but also during pregnancy, we prefer to use the term perinatal mood disorders.

What Should I Do If I Suspect I Have A Perinatal Mood Disorder?

If you suspect that you may have a perinatal mood disorder please contact your primary care physician, obstetrician, or midwife as soon as possible.  If you are in crisis and need immediate help call (207) 774-HELP or 1-888-568-1112  (Maine Crisis Response) or go to your local emergency room.

Take a moment to complete The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.  It is a self-test to help you and your doctor see how you are feeling now.  Please discuss the results of the test with your health care provider.

York County Support Group Information...

On-Line Support Group Information...

Please Remember...You are not alone,

                      You are not to blame,

                      With help, you will be well!

      "Children are one third of our population and all of our future"

                                                Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Health, 1981

Information provided by Postpartum Support International's Website @ www.postpartum.net

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Last modified: 10/01/07