On September 9th and 10th at the Martin Library at the University of Minnesota Duluth, mental health professionals and community members will be coming together for a Postpartum Mental Health event.
"The need is high, I think in all communities," says Becca Tavernier, Licensed Clinical Health Psychologist focused on perinatal mental health, and a panelist for the event. "We have a lot of folks who live rurally around us who have less access to care... It's a really important conversation to have to figure out what resources do we have as a community that we can bring together and source together so that people have awareness of this and know what to do when these issues come up."
The purpose of the gathering is to share personal stories, present an opportunity for discussion, and allow time for questions about postpartum mental health. "It is really difficult when you're in the thick of it to recognize when you might need support," says Celeste Schnellbach, Marriage and Family Therapist and perinatal Mental Health Specialist, as well as one of the co-organizers of the event. "If you're feeling off, or you just want someone else who might be able to listen and hear and be with you in it, that's enough of a reason [to seek help]. "
The free event starts at 6pm each night. On the 9th, the evening will begin with statistics and a presentation from the Minnesota Department of Health before hearing from a panel of folks sharing their lived experiences. On the 10th, the event will continue with interprofessional dialogue with a focus on resources and access. More details about the event can be found online.
You can hear Community Connection every Tuesday and Thursday at 8am on Northland Morning.
