Salt Lake City—Postpartum depression is a common and significant challenge faced by new mothers. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 3 Utah women will experience depression or anxiety during or after pregnancy. Maternal mental health encompasses a range of conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and psychosis. These mental health issues can occur at any point during and after pregnancy, creating a potentially isolating and frightening experience for mothers. However, hope and healing can be found through various resources in Utah.
Aubrey Grossen, who experienced postpartum depression herself, created ANYA (A New You Again), a community dedicated to supporting women with their mental health. ANYA offers a free Facebook community, retreats, and a paid membership that includes therapy phone calls and Marco Polo circles for peer support. Grossen explained that ANYA provides coaching and therapy but also offers a welcoming and inclusive community where lifelong friendships can be formed.
Kelsi Perry, a member of ANYA, initially kept her postpartum depression a secret, fearing that her child would be taken away from her. After attending an ANYA retreat, Perry found support and connection with other understanding women. She credits ANYA with helping her survive severe postpartum depression and anxiety, and she has learned healthy coping tools through the community, such as spending time outside each morning and practicing positive affirmations.
Camille Laycock, another ANYA member, sought more joy in motherhood and found life-altering skills through the community. She learned the importance of meaningful self-care, such as taking a shower and getting dressed in the morning. She also shared the “MOMMY” acronym she learned from ANYA, which stands for Meeting with God/Meditation, Opportunities for growth, Movement, Moment of stillness, and Yourself.
The Sad Moms Club, a podcast created by psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Joni Lybbert, is another valuable resource for Utah women facing postpartum depression. The podcast aims to let women know that they are not alone in their experiences and helps them connect with local therapists, specialists, doulas, and physicians. Lybbert emphasized the importance of finding therapists who specialize in maternal mental health to create a safe space for mothers to share their struggles and receive non-judgmental support.
Postpartum Support International is another organization providing resources for mothers dealing with postpartum depression. They offer a phone service to connect women with local therapists and provide specialized support groups for various circumstances, such as mothers with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or adoptive parents. Lybbert highlighted the significance of community in the healing process for these mothers.
Serenity Recovery and Wellness, founded by Lyndsey Proctor, is a maternal mental health center that offers more comprehensive care for women during the reproductive years. Proctor created Serenity to provide therapy beyond the typical one-hour session per week and to prevent mothers from having to be hospitalized and separated from their children. Patients at Serenity spend nine to 12 hours a week at the facility, bringing their children with them. This allows them to be around other mothers facing similar challenges and benefit from the support and healing power of a group setting.
Mariana Kartchner, a resident of Kearns, found solace and healing through exposure therapy at Serenity. Instead of trying to push away her anxiety, Kartchner learned to accept it as a part of her life. She compares her anxiety to a friend who sits with her while she gets things done, and her therapy helped her find happiness and reduce her anxiety.
Taeler Houlberg, from West Valley City, was treated for postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder at Serenity. Houlberg discovered that many women with this condition are misdiagnosed with psychosis. She emphasized the life-saving impact of being correctly diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and working through her postpartum struggles.
Serenity Recovery and Wellness has offices in Riverton and Provo, and they accept most insurances. The center aims to create a supportive environment for mothers, allowing them to receive the care they need without being separated from their children.
