(West Islip, NY) – What should be the happiest time in a new mother’s life may instead lead to depression or anxiety. May is Perinatal Mood Disorders Awareness Month recognizing the leading medical complication related to childbearing, affecting one of every eight mothers during pregnancy and one of every six after delivery. Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center offers a support group “The Mother’s Circle of Hope” free of charge for women experiencing pregnancy-related or postpartum depression and anxiety.
These feelings may make women ashamed and cause them to hide their suffering from family and friends. However, it is important to talk to someone, whether it is a health care provider, family member or friend, and seek help. Getting treatment early is the best thing a mom can do for herself, her baby and family.
“Following the difficult birth of my daughter, I began having health issues, causing extreme anxiety. I knew I needed help to get me through that time and found the amazing support group at Good Samaritan. I hope more woman take advantage of this service,” said new mom Mary Cronin.
The Mother’s Circle of Hope meets once a week for 11 weeks to provide emotional support and information to women in the community. Participants learn about available treatment options, as well as the steps back to wellness in a supportive, caring environment. Attendees discover they are not alone and gain strategies to help cope with this experience and begin the road to recovery. Good Samaritan Hospital’s Perinatal Education Center provides educational and moral support to expectant couples, new parents and their families. The next series will be in July.
For more information about Good Samaritan’s Mother’s Circle of Hope support group, please call (631) 376-HOPE or circleofhope@chsli.org
Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center is a 537-bed (including 100 nursing home beds), voluntary, not-for-profit hospital located in West Islip. The medical center, which has more than 3,775 employees and 900 physicians on staff, had nearly 28,000 patient admissions and nearly 100,000 emergency department visits in 2012. Good Samaritan is a member of Catholic Health Services of Long Island. Visit the website at www.good-samaritan-hospital.org
The medical center supplies residents with the tools necessary to maintain good health. This includes community lectures, screenings, health fairs and other community programs and services.
