Lifting Mothers with a Circle of Support: Tallahassee Support Group for Maternal Mental Health

The transition into motherhood is an experience unlike any other.  One of the most significant life changes experienced by a woman is the birth of a child.  While this life stage can bring joy for a mother and family, there are times when a mom can also experience a maternal mental health disorder such as increased anxiety, depression, fear, or a loss of personal identity.

According to Postpartum Support International, 15 to 20 percent of women experience symptoms of depression or anxiety before or after the birth of a child.  Maternal mental health disorders do not discriminate and can affect any new mother, regardless of age, race, income, ethnicity, culture, or education. These conditions can be isolating and debilitating, and if left untreated can adversely affect the mother’s health and her family. However, we know that when we talk openly about the importance of maternal mental health, and services and support options are provided, the road to healing is possible.

To support mothers in the postpartum period, Tallahassee is now home to the Circle of Support, an in-person, peer-to-peer support group for mothers experiencing a range of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.  The program is held bi-monthly on the first and third Thursday of each month from 10-11:30 am and centrally located in midtown on the campus of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church.  The program is open to all moms following the birth of a child.  Participation in the support group is free as is childcare.  To ensure attendance, registration for mother and childcare is required.  Due to following social distancing protocols, space is limited.

The Circle of Support is facilitated by a mental health professional trained in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and offers peer-to-peer dialogue and a safe outlet for women during the postpartum period.  Further, the group provides a non-judging environment that offers universality, cohesiveness, and installation of hope from peers.  Most importantly, the group provides a connection for women when they feel most disconnected.  

Often new mothers suffer in silence and feel disconnected when experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Such a disconnect can reinforce isolation and often contribute to a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, once a woman is in such a state, it is difficult to practice self-care and engage in healthy coping skills.  A support program such as the Circle of Support is an outlet for addressing these issues with activities and peer sharing and can often be a first step in healing for a mother in need.

Supporting mental health is and must be a collaborative community effort.  Thank you to Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church for believing in, and understanding the importance of, our community’s mental health, specifically maternal mental and family health by providing space and support for this program.

For more information about the Circle of Support, contact Danielle B. Foster, MSW and Group facilitator at danielle@daniellebfoster.com.  To register for the bi-monthly program, visit, www.saintpaulsumc.org/circleofsupport/

Danielle B. Foster is an MSW, Mom, Circle of Support Group Facilitator, Maternal Mental Health Advocate and Provider, Postpartum Support International Trained Provider, and speaker.   Danielle experienced postpartum depression 16 years ago following the birth of her first and only child and has been committed to championing maternal mental health support for moms in our area for almost a decade. She can be reached at danielle@daniellebfoster.com.