How can I influence public discourse on maternal mental health?
Great question!
Today, as I was came across a TED talk by who I imagine must be some “renowned” British OB/GYN, I was struck by a series of nagging questions. Here he is illustrating the importance of understanding the culprit of many maternal deaths, preeclampsia. His cadence is authoritative yet inviting; he sounds knowledgeable and concerned…what a great combination for a doctor. I begin to wonder, what does HE know about maternal mental health? What is the care like at his hospital? In fact, what is the care like under the NHS in the U.K. in general? Is it better than “here”?
All of a sudden, something beckons me to explore further and I google him and his hospital. I find contact info for his “secretary” and I type up a friendly and professional email asking all these very same questions, of course, in a very polite way. After re-reading my “paragraph” a couple of times where I have introduced myself and my project, i hit send. Now, I may get a reply or not. Maybe I could actually have direct contact with this doctor, maybe i can find a way to join the “international task force”, maybe I can move to the U.K…my mind just goes and goes but I am most struck at the fact that I care, I REALLY care about something, and it feels good 🙂
maternalmentalhealthtoday 