May is Maternal Mental Health Month

Author: Dr. Blair Green PT, DPT, OCS, PHC

May is maternal mental health month. While we focus on physical therapy at Catalyst, we firmly believe that addressing mental health is a key piece of your roadmap. Just as your path to physical recovery is individual, each person has a unique mental and emotional journey through the recovery process.

If you have been following us for a while, you are likely familiar with the Catalyst Physical Therapy Roadmap. If not, check out the graphic below. This is our 9 step plan to take women from feeling hopeless and defeated to becoming strong and confident in their bodies. It involves more than the “typical” PT things, like mat exercises, stretches and breathing (although every program begins with a strong foundation), because life throws things at you that requires you to do more than just use your diaphragm and contract/relax your pelvic floor muscles. 

Along your journey there will be challenges that will test your thoughts and beliefs about yourself. This is why we talk about honoring yourself and your body, committing to self-care (it’s more than pedicures and MNO), and addressing the thoughts and feelings that arise when you take on the role of “mom.” 

You are more than mom - don’t forget that - but the thought of raising little humans can be overwhelming, whether they are still nursing or about to head off to college or living on their own with their own families. We are here to support you as you navigate the day to day and over the long haul. To lend an ear, or a hand, or help you find other avenues of support when it’s necessary.