Parent Mental Health
Prioritizing parent mental health is essential for fostering a nurturing and stable home environment. Thurston County is here for you and your mental health needs as a new parent.
About 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression (PPD) within a year after giving birth. It can feel different for everyone. Common signs include feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed. You might struggle to connect with your baby or feel a lack of love or care for them. If these feelings last more than two weeks, it could be PPD.
Talking Postpartum Depression
It can be difficult to talk about our mental health struggles and everyone's mental health journey is different. Hear from individuals who have experienced PPD and were able to find their path toward healing from the Office on Women's Health website.
You can also view their Postpartum Depression Fact Sheet which gives information about postpartum depression and how you can find support or treatment.
Support Your Mental Health
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help
- Free Parent Support Line: Call or text 1-888-404-7763. Perinatal Support Washington's Warm Line offers warm, understanding, and private support through parent volunteers and trained staff. Answered live 9 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday.
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call 1-833-852-6262 for 24/7 free confidential support for pregnant and new parents
- Parenting Mental Health Chat & Connect: Join other parents with “lived experiences” in a safe online community
- General Mental Health Resources & Suicide Prevention (TC)
- Perinatal Support Washington Online Therapy: Find a trained therapist who specializes in the reproductive period
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Postpartum Support International: Find a provider that specializes in treating and serving families experiencing perinatal mental health issues
- Don’t invite yourself over! It’s common to give new parents space for the first 4-6 weeks after they get home from the hospital.
- Bring something! You are not obligated to bring something, but it will probably be appreciated if you bring a meal without the expectation of staying and holding the newborn.
- Give parents a break. Ask if they are comfortable with you holding the baby while they take a shower or eat something. Some parents may not have anyone to hold the baby- don’t take it personally!
- Remember siblings. Offer to take the older children for a few hours so the new parents can have time to do things like sleep and shower.
- Offer specific, practical help. You can do this by offering to fold their laundry, going to the grocery store for them, or taking their dog for a walk.
- Keep visits short and sweet. If you plan on visiting, show up on time and only plan to stay for 30 minutes.
Contact our Parent Child Health Program at (360) 867-2500 or email PHSS_MCH@co.thurston.wa.us if you have additional questions.