May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the importance of mental well-being for individuals and families alike. Central Jersey Family Health Consortium (CJFHC) has programs and services available to help alleviate the stress on parents and families.
Maternal mental health is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being, particularly during the transformative journey of pregnancy and early parenthood. CJFHC recognizes this and offers a range of programs designed to provide essential support to mothers and families in Central Jersey.
The Pregnancy and Parenting Wellness Program provides postpartum support through education and referrals to local support groups to new or expectant mothers. The transition into motherhood can be stressful, and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders like postpartum depression will affect 1 in 5 pregnancies.
CJFHC understands the intersectionality of mental health and addiction, especially concerning perinatal care. The Perinatal Addictions Project Program supports birthing people by connecting individuals with vital resources and providing emotional support. The Perinatal Addictions Project Program also provides professionals with robust trainings and workshops on working with the Perinatal Risk Assessment (PRA) tool, and how to utilize harm reduction techniques with their patients. Visit their professionals page to learn more.
CJFHC understands that mental health is a universal issue with multiple factors and circumstances. Access to nutrition, medical care, housing, and other resources play a significant role in mental health. CJFHC’s mission is to promote an equitable and healthy future for families through our programs and services. From connecting parents with state and local resources for essentials to hosting educational workshops covering topics like mental health, stress management, and behavior management, CJFHC empowers parents with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate parenthood with confidence and resilience. Visit our Community page to learn more about our programs.
As we commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month, let's remember the significance of maternal mental health. Together, we can cultivate a culture of care, compassion, and resilience, ensuring that no parent or family member faces mental health challenges alone.
