Mental Health Association of Maryland

What’s working in youth mental health? Join the University of Maryland's Local News Network town hall to share your insights. Your voice could help inspire impactful reporting across Maryland on solutions that support young people’s mental health. https://ow.ly/BNik50TTHx7

We're hosting FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid classes for Dorchester County community members. Join us at one of our upcoming YMHFA trainings at the Dorchester County Public Library! https://ow.ly/FgTh50TTyGs Who should take the course? Anyone who works with or provides care to youth, including: teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth group leaders, and parents. #youthmentalhealth #MHFA #bethedifference

Join our "Rethinking Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" webinar series with speaker Frank Kros! Participants will gain valuable insights into the unique strengths and behaviors of children with ADHD—empowering educators, counselors, paraprofessionals, and parents with practical interventions to support these youth effectively. Go here to register: https://ow.ly/4N2g50TOSOL #ADHDAwarenessMonth

Perinatal OCD is a mental health condition characterized by repetitive, unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and irrational, excessive urges to do certain actions (compulsions). It is estimated that 7.8% of pregnant individuals and 16.9 % of postpartum individuals, and some partners, will experience Perinatal OCD. Repetitive, intrusive images and thoughts are very frightening and can feel like they come “out of the blue.” Research has shown that these images are anxious in nature, not delusional, and have a very low risk of being acted upon. It is far more likely that the parent experiencing symptoms may take steps to avoid triggers and what they fear is potential harm to the baby. Perinatal OCD is treatable, and help is available. You do not need a diagnosis to reach out for help. For help resources, visit https://loom.ly/Ax0CXp0. Learn more about postpartum harm thoughts. View or download the informative infographic at https://loom.ly/aDDmid8. Symptoms of Perinatal OCD ⤵️ ⤵️ ⤵️ ☑️ Obsessions, also called intrusive thoughts, which are persistent, repetitive thoughts or mental images related to the baby. These thoughts are very upsetting and not something that you have ever experienced before. People with Perinatal OCD know that their thoughts are bizarre and are very unlikely to ever act on them. ☑️ Compulsions, where you may do certain things over and over again to reduce your fears and obsessions. This may include things like needing to clean constantly, check things many times, count or reorder things. ☑️ A sense of horror about the obsessions ☑️ Fear of being left alone with the infant ☑️ Hypervigilance in protecting the infant Risk Factors of Perinatal OCD ⤵️ ⤵️ ⤵️ Risk factors for perinatal OCD include a personal or family history of anxiety or OCD. Rates of perinatal OCD are higher among people who had an OCD diagnosis before giving birth.

Join us, along with Change the Conversation, on October 17th for our webinar "H.O.P.E. & Positive Childhood Experiences." Learn practical strategies, aligned with trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches, to seamlessly integrate the HOPE framework into their daily work, creating environments that prioritize safety, stability, and positive outcomes for the individuals they serve. 🔗 Register: https://ow.ly/15xJ50TK1Pt

Do you work with youth and want to make a lasting impact on their mental health and wellbeing? Join us for our upcoming Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training, designed for adults who support youth ages 10-18. Whether you're a parent, school or after-school staff, officer, or community member, this training equips you with the tools to respond effectively to youth experiencing mental health challenges. Go here to learn more & apply: https://ow.ly/E7vJ50TK4bk

Your mental health can’t wait. This #MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek, we’re focusing on prevention and action. If you’ve been feeling like you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, don’t wait to get support. Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to start. It’s always a good time to start prioritizing your mental health. 💜 Take a free, anonymous mental health test today at mhascreening.org.

Between 15-20% of women will experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder during pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth. For free resources for new moms, partners, families, and providers, visit healthynewmoms.org. #maternalmentalhealth

The aging process can bring a variety of changes in people, which can affect them physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Join our new webinar series to explore these changes and discover ways to better support older adults: engagewith.org/webinars

Sign up for free QPR Training this Suicide Prevention Month and gain the skills to Question, Persuade, and Refer someone in crisis. https://ow.ly/OKUT50TxvYB 📅 October 2nd, 12:00-1:30PM 📅 October 3rd, 2:00-3:00PM Join us and learn to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to offer help.