Wright State professional psychology students to offer community programs on postpartum depression

Wright State School of Professional Psychology students Tawana Jackson, left, and Tawanna Howard received state funding to host community programs on postpartum depression among African-American women.

Raising awareness about postpartum depression among African-American women is the goal of two students in Wright State University’s School of Professional Psychology who are hosting community programs on the topic.

Students Tawana Jackson and Tawanna Howard are using a grant from the Ohio Commission on Minority Health to do screenings and make presentations at two “My Baby and Me” programs.

The programs will be held Saturday, April 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the YWCA, 141 W. Third St., in Dayton; and on Saturday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 3375 W. Siebenthaler, in Dayton.

“What we want to do is educate the women about postpartum depression and give them language to describe what they may be going through,” said Jackson.” We want to curb some of the stress and anxiety that the women may feel by giving them a venue to have an honest conversation with other mothers and providing them with resources.”

Postpartum depression is a type of clinical depression that can affect women after childbirth. Symptoms may include sadness, anxiety, irritability, low energy and changes in sleeping and eating patterns.

The two students, who are both pursuing their Psy.D. degrees, will educate program attendees on postpartum depression as well as offer prevention measures and community resources.

Mothers who attend the program have the option of being assessed for postpartum depression. In addition, attendees will be screened before and after the programs to measure to what degree they gained knowledge and skills.

The programs are free, open to the public and will feature free food and gift giveaways. In addition to mothers, relatives and caretakers are also welcomed.