Moms helping moms: Postpartum depression eased through peer support
Alma program peer mentors Gracia Deras, left, and Shannon Beckner sit with baby Wyatt. Deras experienced postpartum depression with her first child and now helps other moms navigate their own mental health struggles. (Photo: Sam Hubley)
About one in five U.S. women experience depression and anxiety during pregnancy or after childbirth, and stigma often prevents them from seeking help. When they do, they tend to have trouble finding a properly trained, affordable therapist.
CU Boulder’s Alma program seeks to fill the gap, matching new moms struggling with mental health issues with trained peer mentors who have been through it.
New research shows that the program provides “rapid relief,” with depression declining significantly within two sessions. Alma now aims to go nationwide.
“My vision is that every mom who is feeling anxious, stressed and overwhelmed knows that she’s not alone and has access to the support she needs,” said program founder Sona Dimidjian, a professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at CU Boulder.
Principal investigators
Anahi Collado;
Sona Dimidjian
Funding
Buell Foundation, Perigee Fund,
W.K. Kellogg Foundation, ZOMA Foundation, The Colorado Health Foundation, Gary Community Ventures (formerly Piton Foundation), and an anonymous donor
Collaboration + support
CU Boulder’s Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Renée Crown Wellness Institute
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Easing postpartum depression through peer support