I just came across this article and wish that I had known this information when I was going through these times with my daughter, Ella. The importance of positive parenting and the bond between parent and child is of vital importance. When a mother, and consequently the family, is suffering with symptoms of Postpartum Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Psychosis, the importance of positive parenting is amplified for the development of the child. The early years are the vital years. Fortunately, I did learn the coping techniques in this blog entry, later in her life, and continue to use them, when needed. As a five year old, now...she's such a vibrant, self-loving, inquisitive girl who knows what she likes and doesn't. She owns her own mind and I applaud her for that :)
Here's to all the parents who wish they knew what to do with their children during a tantrum and beyond.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
International "Virtual" Workshop(s)
Hi, everyone :)
We've been away from blogging for quite some time as we are leading that much more at home as the Moms we are! We also just received our ISBN number and copyright certificate for our latest resource, "Behind the Mask: Trust, Adjust and Transform Your Life!"workbook!! We're now speaking with our printer to have it available for you this April and before we speak in Montreal for the Family Resource Program of Canada! One more thing...we're preparing for our second "virtual" workshop with Amber Singleton of "Rock Your Genius!" What excitement to be able to have this forum to share and to be among the ranks of the additional speakers!! Read on for more information....
INTERNATIONAL "VIRTUAL" WORKSHOP! The Healing Sequence: The Key, The Cross, The Heart
March 29, 7:30 PM CDT
Register for our workshop: Add to Cart ($30)
Register for the entire day: Click here!
We will be sharing the three steps for healing -- whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual -- the Key (self acceptance), the Cross (self forgiveness), and the Heart (self love). The key is self-acceptance which will unlock all, the cross is self-forgiveness which opens all, and the heart is self love which accepts all, unconditionally. Discover how gratitude can help you uncover the healing sequence. Get full details on the March 29 workshop day here. Don't forget, each workshop is limited to 40 participants, so get your "virtual seat" today!
With great gratitude and elation!
Elita, Carla & Tania
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Smiling Mask Team LIFE LIST (aka To The Core Consulting)
Overall - The Smiling Mask Team is living on purpose, for purpose and with purpose. We are open and welcome cooperative and mutually beneficial relationships that uplift others and ourselves. We work easily, effortlessly, and efficiently with passion, ease and grace – we work smart, not hard!
The items that are in gray represent what we have and/or achieving!
1. Be cash flow positive.
2. Get to National Best Selling status on the book.
3. Do meaningful work that helps others.
4. Be financially free and responsible.
Home + Daily Life
1. Enjoy our home life families and be grateful for all.
2. Practice meditation daily (whether it is yoga, quietness, or Ho’oponopono).
3. Take vacations when rest is required (even if we don’t leave our homes).
Relationships (Family, Friends and Pets)
1. Be grateful for our families, friends and pets. Show gratitude daily.
2. Maintain and be thankful for the positive relationships with our ambassadors.
3. Continue to attract cooperative opportunities and relationships that benefit both parties.
Giving Back
1. Continue giving $1.00 from every book sold to our charities of choice.
2. Give of our time openly and generously.
3. Continue to create the safe space for people to share their struggles and especially their healing.
4. Focus on parenting and children.
5. Focus on wellness and wholeness.
Travel, Exploration + Experience
1. Travel to many desirable destinations with each other and with our families with ease (e.g.: NYC, Fredericton, NB)
2. Empower and inspire all of Canada to prioritize maternal mental health.
3. Create a big screen movie.
4. Finally, create our children’s book and also include Mary MacNicol's Angel painting!
5. Teach and speak.
6. Get a television program.
7. Meet Oprah and Ellen.
8. Receive Order of Canada and Order of Saskatchewan.
Self (Personal Goals + Self Care)
1. Surround ourselves with forgiving, accepting and loving messages.
2. Balance our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being.
3. Make it a habit to understand that unfavourable experiences or feelings are simply reminding us what it is we DO want out of life – send out those rockets of desire!
4. To go through life with grace and ease and good times!
Visit www.rockyourgenius.com/life-lists to view many more such lists AND to create your own!
Much success and fun!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Promoting Peace and Validation to Create a Healthy Community
On November 25, 2010, the YMCA in Moose Jaw celebrated National Peace Week by acknowledging the achievements of local persons in the community who – without any special resources – demonstrate in their lives and activities the values expressed in the World Alliance on YMCA’s 1981 statement of Peace.
Peace has many dimensions. It is not only a state of relationship among nations. We cannot expect to live in a world of peace if we are unable to live in peace with those close to us – even those who differ from us. The responsibility for peace begins with each person, in relationship with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities.
I was truly honoured to be nominated for this year’s Peace Medal. I would also like to congratulate the other following nominees for their valuable work in the community of Moose Jaw:
Joe Dueck,
Don Gude,
Leanne Plouffe,
and Joan Stumborg who graciously received the award.
Together we are enriching the lives of the local families by creating a healthy and safe community!
When we created the dream of The Smiling Mask in 2008, our mission was to create awareness, understanding, and acceptance of postpartum difficulties; to bring peace and validation to mothers and fathers by engaging, and empowering families, and communities in the life changing and natural experience of parenthood.
We could have never imagined the immense support we have and continue to receive from various organizations in the community such as The Canadian Mental Health Association, Public Health, KidsFirst and the YMCA to name a few!
One of my personal goals when we started this project was to create a local Postpartum Support Group in Moose Jaw, and to provide Pre-natal Education. When I put this suggestion forward, again, I was amazed by the support I received. Peace came to me, when I realized I did not have to be a prisoner to my mental illness and when I realized we have two hands; one to help ourselves and one to help someone else!
We are so blessed to live in such an abundant, healthy and rich community!
Carla O’Reilly,
Author & Inspirational Speaker
Peace has many dimensions. It is not only a state of relationship among nations. We cannot expect to live in a world of peace if we are unable to live in peace with those close to us – even those who differ from us. The responsibility for peace begins with each person, in relationship with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities.
I was truly honoured to be nominated for this year’s Peace Medal. I would also like to congratulate the other following nominees for their valuable work in the community of Moose Jaw:
Joe Dueck,
Don Gude,
Leanne Plouffe,
and Joan Stumborg who graciously received the award.
Together we are enriching the lives of the local families by creating a healthy and safe community!
When we created the dream of The Smiling Mask in 2008, our mission was to create awareness, understanding, and acceptance of postpartum difficulties; to bring peace and validation to mothers and fathers by engaging, and empowering families, and communities in the life changing and natural experience of parenthood.
We could have never imagined the immense support we have and continue to receive from various organizations in the community such as The Canadian Mental Health Association, Public Health, KidsFirst and the YMCA to name a few!
One of my personal goals when we started this project was to create a local Postpartum Support Group in Moose Jaw, and to provide Pre-natal Education. When I put this suggestion forward, again, I was amazed by the support I received. Peace came to me, when I realized I did not have to be a prisoner to my mental illness and when I realized we have two hands; one to help ourselves and one to help someone else!
We are so blessed to live in such an abundant, healthy and rich community!
Carla O’Reilly,
Author & Inspirational Speaker
Friday, November 12, 2010
After the Birth, what a family needs!
With the wonders of facebook, we found this connection to Gloria from British Columbia. Below is a caption from her blog that is very informative and great information for supports on what potential help will look like to a new mom.
http://www.glorialemay.com/blog/?p=34
Enjoy in providing help that may work well for both parties!
http://www.glorialemay.com/blog/?p=34
Enjoy in providing help that may work well for both parties!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Kristyn's Courage: A Mother's Legacy for her daughters!
We connected with Kristyn after she purchased our book, and after hearing her courageous story, we asked her to share her experiences to help other mothers.
She is a testament to the strength of a mother, having battled this illness three times and continues to have a positive outlook and places her children's happiness first. The beauty in her story is the teaching of advocacy she demonstrates. She is not ashamed and speaks freely about her illness. Please cheer her on as she destroys the mask and continues to be a role model for her daughters!
Thank you for choosing to share your story Kristyn, why do you think it is so important?
I wanted to share my story because people need to know. PPD is nothing to be ashamed of. It's an illness; that if treated appropriately can be stabilized. Unfortunately, there is no 100% cure, but we all have to stay strong and FIGHT!
What were your symptoms like?
My symptoms revolved around resentment. I resented my baby. I resented my husband for making me pregnant. I wanted to leave. I, to this day, think my depression started showing itself in my third trimester. During that time I had anxiety. I was anxious that I wouldn't know what labor was. I was anxious about bringing this baby home. I was anxious about breast-feeding. I was anxious about being a mother. I ended up seeking counseling before my daughter was born. It helped with the issues I was having at that time, but I had no idea what was about to happen.
Right before I had my daughter, I had a plan. I had decided that I didn't want to be a mother or a wife, so I was just going to leave. I had decided that I would have this child, and when we were discharged from the hospital, I was going to go home, pack my bags and leave. I wanted nothing to do with that life. Fortunately, for me I ended up with an emergency C-section. So, I was unable to do pretty much anything. I was in so much pain. Then I decided that after the six to eight weeks I would leave.
How long did you suffer before seeking help?
Eight weeks. I suffered alone in silence for eight weeks.
What did you do in order to get help and why do you think it was so important for your family?
At my eight week check up I told my doctor that I thought something was wrong. I said “I don't like my baby, and I don't want her. I want to run away and never come back."
This was important for my family because it was my way of finally standing up and saying, "I'M NOT OKAY!"
I was doing strange things. I refused to be left alone with my daughter. If I was going to nap, I would remove everything from my room that had anything to do with a baby. I removed the bassinet, the receiving blankets, diapers, wipes. I would set it out in the hall an pretend I wasn't a mom. I was just the person that I was missing so much. I would also shower. Every time my daughter started crying, I would run and have a shower so I didn't have to listen to it. Thankfully, my husband was home during this time to take care of her. I would shower five to six times a day.
I also HATED my daughter. I was so mad at her for “RUINING” my life. I knew I needed help. I knew that it wasn't right for a mother to feel this way about her child. I just, for the life of me, couldn't figure out why I was feeling this way.
I was started on an anti-depressant immediately. I started Celexa 10mg. I noticed a difference quickly. I also called the Postpartum Depression help line here in Saskatoon and started attending the local support group. I LOVED the group. It was the second outing I took my daughter to all by myself! This was a HUGE accomplishment considering she was already three and a half months old. It was so refreshing for me to find people that knew what I was going through. I felt safe, and at home. I started looking forward to the “homework” assignments that we had.
What proactive steps did you take with your second pregnancy, that were different from your first knowing more about Postpartum Depression?
My second pregnancy was AMAZING! I continued on medication, although, I switched from Celexa to Prozac. I knew that there was NO way I was ever going to be off my anti-depressant. I had a long talk with my family doctor, and we decided to make the switch. I knew that Prozac was the only medication that had been studied on pregnant women, and that there were no side effects on the babies.
I also TALKED! The minute I was diagnosed with PPD, I told two of my best friends in the world, Cari and Tania. Both of these women had children the same time I had my oldest daughter. Our kids were born within three weeks of each other. So, I had friends going through the same things I was going through; had support from women who I could bounce my feelings off of.
I am also very open about my PPD. I'm not afraid to talk about it. I'm not ashamed of it. I was proud that I was healthy and happy to be having my second daughter.
I delivered my Heidi on October 4, 2007, 22 ½ months after having my oldest daughter Halle. 20 months after being diagnosed with PPD. Now, I would like to say that I was “CURED” we were a happy family with these two great kids! But my anxiety started creeping up on me when Heidi was three months old. I told my husband, who was very supportive. Since work was always one of my refuges, I started picking up a four-hour shift, once a month. It was great. I was enjoying myself. My husband had taken time off work, and we were going to have the year with the girls together.
When my Heidi was eight months old, I discovered I was nine weeks pregnant. I honestly felt that my world had stopped spinning. I was devastated. I took to bed for two weeks. I felt so alone, I knew I was struggling with my own feelings about being a good mother to my kids, and didn't know what to do.
I had to go back to work full time three days after finding out about my pregnancy so I would be able to qualify for another mat leave. I hit rock bottom. I was so depressed. At my first prenatal appointment I told my doctor that I didn't want the baby. She asked me first if I was depressed, or if we needed to make an appointment for a D&C. I told her that it was the first time I had been out of my bed in the past 2 weeks. She immediately referred me to a psychiatrist. I was lucky to get in within the week.
After months of sessions and medication changes, I was up to 60mg of Prozac and almost put on Lithium, which is a mood stabilizer commonly used for Bipolar Disorder, I delivered girl #3 on December 29, 2008. Isobel.
What lessons have your learned from your healing that are positive for your family?
The lesson that I've learned is, everything will be OK.
Yes, I have guilt. I have so much guilt, but you know what, my girls were babies. They won't remember the worst of me. That's my burden to carry. And yes, some days it's heavy. Some days I feel like I'm being pulled down and I'm grasping to hold on.
I take a step back and remember. I remember how I felt and I look at my girls. How beautiful they are. How strong they are.
It's going to take us time to heal. My husband has been supportive in his own ways. He is the greatest dad in the world. He has put up with a lot from me, but he's still here and we're working on it.
I know that everything will be OK!
How has this experience helped you in other aspects of your life?
I'm more open. I don't hide my feelings anymore. It's like I took off that mask and destroyed it.
What words of encouragement can you offer for mothers who are suffering right now?
YOU CAN DO IT!
The results won't be immediate, but if you work they will come. I'm a living example. My Halle will be five in a few weeks, my Heidi turned three a few weeks ago, and my Isobel will be two at the end of December.
I'm still on my meds. Currently I'm on 20mg of Celexa. I've been up to 60 mg. I know I will never be off them. When my kids ask what they're for, I tell them “They're Mommy's Happy Pills."
You will have bad days, I'm not going to lie. There will be a few of those, but when you get through them and get out of the dark place you will be able to appreciate everything you have.
Everything will be OK!
She is a testament to the strength of a mother, having battled this illness three times and continues to have a positive outlook and places her children's happiness first. The beauty in her story is the teaching of advocacy she demonstrates. She is not ashamed and speaks freely about her illness. Please cheer her on as she destroys the mask and continues to be a role model for her daughters!
Thank you for choosing to share your story Kristyn, why do you think it is so important?
I wanted to share my story because people need to know. PPD is nothing to be ashamed of. It's an illness; that if treated appropriately can be stabilized. Unfortunately, there is no 100% cure, but we all have to stay strong and FIGHT!
What were your symptoms like?
My symptoms revolved around resentment. I resented my baby. I resented my husband for making me pregnant. I wanted to leave. I, to this day, think my depression started showing itself in my third trimester. During that time I had anxiety. I was anxious that I wouldn't know what labor was. I was anxious about bringing this baby home. I was anxious about breast-feeding. I was anxious about being a mother. I ended up seeking counseling before my daughter was born. It helped with the issues I was having at that time, but I had no idea what was about to happen.
Right before I had my daughter, I had a plan. I had decided that I didn't want to be a mother or a wife, so I was just going to leave. I had decided that I would have this child, and when we were discharged from the hospital, I was going to go home, pack my bags and leave. I wanted nothing to do with that life. Fortunately, for me I ended up with an emergency C-section. So, I was unable to do pretty much anything. I was in so much pain. Then I decided that after the six to eight weeks I would leave.
How long did you suffer before seeking help?
Eight weeks. I suffered alone in silence for eight weeks.
What did you do in order to get help and why do you think it was so important for your family?
At my eight week check up I told my doctor that I thought something was wrong. I said “I don't like my baby, and I don't want her. I want to run away and never come back."
This was important for my family because it was my way of finally standing up and saying, "I'M NOT OKAY!"
I was doing strange things. I refused to be left alone with my daughter. If I was going to nap, I would remove everything from my room that had anything to do with a baby. I removed the bassinet, the receiving blankets, diapers, wipes. I would set it out in the hall an pretend I wasn't a mom. I was just the person that I was missing so much. I would also shower. Every time my daughter started crying, I would run and have a shower so I didn't have to listen to it. Thankfully, my husband was home during this time to take care of her. I would shower five to six times a day.
I also HATED my daughter. I was so mad at her for “RUINING” my life. I knew I needed help. I knew that it wasn't right for a mother to feel this way about her child. I just, for the life of me, couldn't figure out why I was feeling this way.
I was started on an anti-depressant immediately. I started Celexa 10mg. I noticed a difference quickly. I also called the Postpartum Depression help line here in Saskatoon and started attending the local support group. I LOVED the group. It was the second outing I took my daughter to all by myself! This was a HUGE accomplishment considering she was already three and a half months old. It was so refreshing for me to find people that knew what I was going through. I felt safe, and at home. I started looking forward to the “homework” assignments that we had.
What proactive steps did you take with your second pregnancy, that were different from your first knowing more about Postpartum Depression?
My second pregnancy was AMAZING! I continued on medication, although, I switched from Celexa to Prozac. I knew that there was NO way I was ever going to be off my anti-depressant. I had a long talk with my family doctor, and we decided to make the switch. I knew that Prozac was the only medication that had been studied on pregnant women, and that there were no side effects on the babies.
I also TALKED! The minute I was diagnosed with PPD, I told two of my best friends in the world, Cari and Tania. Both of these women had children the same time I had my oldest daughter. Our kids were born within three weeks of each other. So, I had friends going through the same things I was going through; had support from women who I could bounce my feelings off of.
I am also very open about my PPD. I'm not afraid to talk about it. I'm not ashamed of it. I was proud that I was healthy and happy to be having my second daughter.
I delivered my Heidi on October 4, 2007, 22 ½ months after having my oldest daughter Halle. 20 months after being diagnosed with PPD. Now, I would like to say that I was “CURED” we were a happy family with these two great kids! But my anxiety started creeping up on me when Heidi was three months old. I told my husband, who was very supportive. Since work was always one of my refuges, I started picking up a four-hour shift, once a month. It was great. I was enjoying myself. My husband had taken time off work, and we were going to have the year with the girls together.
When my Heidi was eight months old, I discovered I was nine weeks pregnant. I honestly felt that my world had stopped spinning. I was devastated. I took to bed for two weeks. I felt so alone, I knew I was struggling with my own feelings about being a good mother to my kids, and didn't know what to do.
I had to go back to work full time three days after finding out about my pregnancy so I would be able to qualify for another mat leave. I hit rock bottom. I was so depressed. At my first prenatal appointment I told my doctor that I didn't want the baby. She asked me first if I was depressed, or if we needed to make an appointment for a D&C. I told her that it was the first time I had been out of my bed in the past 2 weeks. She immediately referred me to a psychiatrist. I was lucky to get in within the week.
After months of sessions and medication changes, I was up to 60mg of Prozac and almost put on Lithium, which is a mood stabilizer commonly used for Bipolar Disorder, I delivered girl #3 on December 29, 2008. Isobel.
What lessons have your learned from your healing that are positive for your family?
The lesson that I've learned is, everything will be OK.
Yes, I have guilt. I have so much guilt, but you know what, my girls were babies. They won't remember the worst of me. That's my burden to carry. And yes, some days it's heavy. Some days I feel like I'm being pulled down and I'm grasping to hold on.
I take a step back and remember. I remember how I felt and I look at my girls. How beautiful they are. How strong they are.
It's going to take us time to heal. My husband has been supportive in his own ways. He is the greatest dad in the world. He has put up with a lot from me, but he's still here and we're working on it.
I know that everything will be OK!
How has this experience helped you in other aspects of your life?
I'm more open. I don't hide my feelings anymore. It's like I took off that mask and destroyed it.
What words of encouragement can you offer for mothers who are suffering right now?
YOU CAN DO IT!
The results won't be immediate, but if you work they will come. I'm a living example. My Halle will be five in a few weeks, my Heidi turned three a few weeks ago, and my Isobel will be two at the end of December.
I'm still on my meds. Currently I'm on 20mg of Celexa. I've been up to 60 mg. I know I will never be off them. When my kids ask what they're for, I tell them “They're Mommy's Happy Pills."
You will have bad days, I'm not going to lie. There will be a few of those, but when you get through them and get out of the dark place you will be able to appreciate everything you have.
Everything will be OK!
E-Learning Event Maternal Mental Health: Understanding, Care and Support
Description:
Maternal Mental Health is an important issue, with one in five women suffering from depression in pregnancy and postpartum. We are implementing recommendations of the MotherFirst working group, with includes screening for depression, improved group and individual therapies, and medical management. This presentation will invite and challenge health professionals to think about how they address the emotional needs of their pregnant and postpartum patients. Questions, such as; What is the EPDS?, When do I screen?, Can I prescribe antidepressants medications for my patients?, will be discussed.
Objectives:
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of maternal depression and anxiety
- Understand how to screen women for depression in pregnancy and postpartum
- Know how to start and facilitate a postpartum depression support group
- Understand effective individual therapies
- Identify appropriate medical interventions and medications for use in pregnancy
- Understand the strategies for positive mental health
Family physicians, obstetricians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, midwives, doulas, public health nurses, mental health workers, social workers, maternal child workers, lactation consultants, KidsFirst workers, pharmacists, prenatal educators, elders and parent mentor program staff.
Pre-workshop reading material available at www.skmaternalmentalhealth.ca where you may download the MotherFirst Report.
Registration is free of charge.
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