Session 5: How does it affect Mom; Mental & Physically
SMART goal: By the end of sessions, Participants will be able to define and describe maternal depression and identify at least three coping skills
Objective 1: The group will describe and discuss maternal depression and its misconceptions
Objective 2: The group will discuss and describe the signs and symptoms of maternal depression
Agenda: 50 minutes with a 10-minute break
* At the start of each session, write the topic and lesson plan on the whiteboard*
* At the start of each session, do an emotional and well-being check-in and prayer and music*
*Be aware that the time breakdowns are suggestions, and some activities may require more or less time depending on the group’s needs. A reminder that each sessions time breakdowns are an estimate *
Maternal depression affects mother Lecture – 10 minutes
Role-Play Activity – 15 minutes
10-minute break
Maternal depression affects Mother Discussion – 15 minutes
Lesson Plan
Maternal depression affects Mother Lecture
Mental Affects :
“Maternal depression can also affect a mother’s ability to bond with her child, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy. It is important for mothers experiencing depression to seek professional help and support to manage their symptoms and maintain their mental health”
- Persistent sadness or feeling “down”: Mothers with Maternal depression may experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair that interfere with their ability to function.
- Loss of interest or pleasure: Maternal Depression can cause mothers to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and to withdraw from social interaction.
- Negative self-talk: Mothers with Maternal depression may experience negative self-talk, self-blame, and self-criticism that further worsen their mood.
- Anxiety: Maternal Depression can be accompanied by feelings of anxiety, worry, and restlessness.
- Difficulty concentrating: Maternal Depression can cause difficulties in focusing, decision-making, and memory retention.
- Suicidal thoughts: In severe cases, Maternal depression can lead to suicidal thoughts, which require immediate attention and intervention.
Physical Affects:
Physical signs of Maternal depression might include headaches, bodily pains, and muscular tightness.
- Fatigue: Maternal Depression can make it difficult for moms to sleep, resulting in feelings of weariness and fatigue.
- Sleep issues: Maternal Depression can disrupt sleep, resulting in insomnia or hypersomnia.
- Changes in appetite: Maternal Depression can induce changes in appetite, resulting in overeating or loss of appetite.
- Reduced immunological function: Maternal Depression can impair immune function, rendering moms more susceptible to sickness
Furthermore, Maternal Depression can impair a mother’s capacity to care for herself, leading to bad self-care practices such as skipping exercise, eating unhealthy foods, and self-medicating with drugs or alcohol. All of these issues might jeopardize a mother’s physical health and well-being.
” Maternal brain response and behavior are compromised in PPD. According to Beck in 2006, as many as half of PPD in new mothers go undiagnosed because of conflict in privacy and not wanting to disclose to close family members. There is also a stigma around new mothers in that disclosure may lead to abandonment and fear of lack of support”
Stigma:
- Many people hesitate to seek treatment for maternal depression because of a fear of admitting that they have a problem, a fear of what a depression diagnosis will mean for their children, and a fear of medication.
- Have you ever experienced stigma around maternal depression?
Role-Play Activity:
Have 3 Group members volunteer to be apart of the role play
each group member will be assigned a role; 1 Group facilitator , and 2 Group member
Possible Script to adapt to the demographic and subject of the session:
Group Facilitator: Good morning, everyone. Today we’re going to talk about ways to advocate for ourselves when we’re struggling with maternal depression. Let’s start by going around the room and introducing ourselves.
[Each participant introduces themselves briefly, and it comes to Abena’s turn.]
Abena: Hi, I’m Abena. I’ve been struggling with maternal depression for a few months now, and I’m really hoping to learn some ways to take care of myself better.
Group Facilitator: Thank you for sharing, Abena. What do you mean by taking care of yourself better?
Abena: Well, I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed and exhausted lately, and I haven’t been able to find the energy to do much beyond basic childcare. I know that therapy can be helpful, but I’ve been struggling to make time for it. I want to figure out how to prioritize my own needs more.
Group Facilitator: That’s a really common challenge for new moms, Abena. And it’s great that you recognize the importance of self-care. What do you think might be some strategies that could work for you?
Abena: Honestly, I’m not sure. That’s why I’m here. But I do know that I need more support than I’m currently getting. I’m wondering if there’s anyone in the group who has found ways to make therapy or self-care a priority, despite the challenges of being a new mom.
[The group is quiet for a moment, and then Akousa speaks up.]
Akousa: Hi, Abena. I’m Akousa, and I’ve been in therapy for a few months now. It was really hard to find the time and energy to commit to it, but what helped me was talking to my partner and asking for their support. They’ve been taking on more of the childcare responsibilities so that I can have an hour or two each week to focus on myself. It’s not always easy, but it’s been really helpful for my mental health.
Akousa: That’s a great idea. I haven’t really talked to my partner about how much I’m struggling, but maybe it’s time to have that conversation.
Group Facilitator: That sounds like a good place to start, Abena. Remember, advocating for yourself is about recognizing your needs and expressing them in a clear and respectful way. It’s not always easy, but it’s an important part of taking care of yourself
Maternal depression affects Mother Discussion:
- Reflect on the role play and how it relates to each group member
Group facilitators will conclude the session with a plan for the next session and say a closing prayer.
Materials
Whiteboard, Dry-Erase Markers, Pens and Pencils, Role play Materials
References
Maternal depression difference through community action. Mental Health America. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mhanational.org/sites/default/files/maternal_depression_guide.pdf