Monday, November 19, 2012

Community Event


Information Session on Post-Partum Depression
with Dorothy Rick, LCSW
Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 6.30pm (updated time)
Carroll Gardens Library, Basement Auditorium


Mild to extreme post-partum depression (PPD) can afflict any mother-to-be, and can impact any family or community.  If you are parents, parents-to-be, healthcare professionals, perinatal service providers, educators or active community members, please join us to learn more about post-partum depression -- truths and myths, detection, prevention and resources/organizations that can provide help. Dorothy Rick will share her expertise from the field and answer your questions.  Guest speaker Molly Peryer, MSW and co-founder of Brooklyn PPD Support, will share her experience as a PPD survivor.


When:       Tuesday, November 20 - Updated time: 6.30pm – 8:00pm
Where:      Carroll Gardens Library, Basement Auditorium
                  396 Clinton Street (corner of Union and Clinton Streets)


About Dorothy Rick:
Dorothy has been a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in private practice for over thirty years. She has presented at numerous forums promoting collaborative care models for depression screening and management in primary/ obstetric care and has been an active participant with the Brooklyn Perinatal Partnership. Dorothy worked for The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for seventeen years until retiring in January. During that time she held faculty appointments at both Columbia and NYU's schools of Social Work. In 2006 she became the Director of Depression Initiatives for the Department. In that capacity her role was to coordinate citywide initiatives to promote awareness of depression and it's critical impact, if undetected and untreated, on the lives of New Yorkers.

About Molly Peryer:
Molly has a Master of Social Work degree and is a co-founder of Brooklyn PPD Support. She recovered from PPD seven years ago. She has conducted research on peer support, led psychoeducational groups and counseled individuals suffering from psychosis, depression, and anxiety disorders.


RSVP: Catherine Colton, catherinecolton@gmail.com

What Are PMADs?

PMADs have the following symptoms: insomnia, loss of appetite, nervousness/hypervigilance, frightening and/or suicidal thoughts, escape fantasies, feelings of worthlessness, anger, guilt, sadness/crying, grief, hopelessness, agitation, inability to concentrate, joylessness, sleeplessness/restlessness, appetite changes. You may experience one or some of these symptoms over a period of time.

Founded in 2006, Molly Coffin and Chris Lindsay-Abaire co-created the peer support they needed in their community. In Spring of 2014, Brooklyn PPD Support was joined by Melissa Paschke, LCSW. Melissa has been practicing medical social work since 1994. She is also a mother of two boys and a 500 hour+ certified yoga teacher. Melissa offers individual, partner and group therapies, crisis intervention, family support, health/wellness counseling, and yoga for the pre-natal and postpartum woman. She is a graduate of Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work and holds advanced clinical training certificates from the NYU Silver School of Social Work and Seleni Institute.

Please contact Melissa for information about group participation or individual and partner therapy.

See Melissa on Psychology Today: https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_detail.php?profid=293007&ref=8&sid=1511988653.5793_30722&zipcode=11231&tr=ResultsName

What is Brooklyn PPD Support?

If you are a pregnant or post-partum woman experiencing Stress, Depression, Anxiety, and/or other mood challenges, you are welcome to join this group. It is advised that you also reach out to your medical provider to be assessed for any psychopharmacological needs. Group can also be used as a complement to any private psychotherapy you may be receiving, or you may inquire about private therapy with Melissa Paschke, LCSW, in addition to Brooklyn PPD Support Groups.

Brooklyn PPD Support is currently offering groups by Zoom, as per COVID-19 restrictions. There is a suggested fee of $40 to attend. It is the primary intention of Brooklyn PPD Support to remove as many barriers to participation as possible, so if fees are preventing you from attending, please reach out to Melissa. You are encouraged to attend as many meetings as you wish. This is a closed group; Only women experiencing symptoms of PMADs will be allowed to participate. Graduate students, researchers and well-meaning partners may not sit in on meetings.

Emotional support from empathic listeners is one key part of expediting a woman's recovery from PMADs. This offering is a safe, confidential, nonjudgmental environment where women can share their experiences. Women in all stages of stress, illness and recovery are welcome. If you aren't sure or formally diagnosed with a PMAD, you are welcome. You are also welcome if your child is older, but you relate to the stressors described. We are women helping women to share, witness and support each others' experiences. This is a professionally facilitated group led by a licensed clinical social worker who will also offer appropriate referrals for any additional treatment or supportive services that may be needed.

Postpartum Support International's Universal Message:

You are not alone
This is not your fault
You will feel better