Season 1, Episode 11: Mother Matters...Maternal Mental Health The Sound of Loneliness

Welcome to The Sound of Loneliness Podcast!

This podcast is hosted by Registered Psychotherapist, and Founder & Executive Director of Valley Connections Counselling, Amanda Youssef. 

*Disclaimer: Please be aware that this episode discusses mature content and sensitive topics relating to perinatal mental health, such as self harm and harm to others, that may not be suitable for all viewers.*

In this episode, Registered Psychotherapist, Kiara Panetta is joined by Avril Ferguson, Registered Psychotherapist and the owner and founder of Norfolk County Counselling. To continue observing Maternal Mental Health Month, Kiara sits down with Avril to have a rich discussion on all matters related to maternal mental health.

We begin by diving into Avril's challenging personal perinatal story, which led to her decision to focus on perinatal mental health in her clinical work. As a Certified Birth and Reproductive Trauma therapist, Avril discusses PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders), including their symptoms and prevalence. She highlights some of the biggest gaps in postpartum support and touches on common barriers to accessing appropriate perinatal support and treatment. Avril suggests some questions one might ask themselves or a loved one if PMADs are suspected and provides a brief overview of what treatment might look like. 

Avril also shares the following public resources for those looking to access more information:

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

https://www.postpartum.net/

Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaboration

https://cpmhc.ca/

Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings 

https://www.canadianperinatalmentalhealthtrainings.com/

For more information on Avril Ferguson or Norfolk County Counselling, please visit the following:

Website: https://norfolkcountycounselling.ca/

Instagram: @norfolkcountycounselling

We hope you enjoy these stories of grit and grace.

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