September 2024
This month, maternal mental health-centered nonprofit organization Cherished Mom aims to raise awareness, educate, and reduce stigma about maternal mental health and suicide prevention. Is MOM OK is the first national PSA billboard campaign dedicated to maternal mental health awareness.
Billboards on Lamar outdoor advertising displays will run from September 2nd to September 15th. Founder and Executive Director of Cherished Mom Kristina Dulaney, RN, PHM-C, will be featured in the Lamar Speakers Series, which will be shared nationally with their employees and leadership team. Lamar will share the campaign on their social media channels in early September.
Words from Amanda Aikulola with Cherished Mom:
The inception of the “Is MOM OK” Maternal Suicide Prevention Campaign was deeply personal and stemmed from a confluence of shared experiences and a profound realization of the need for heightened awareness and proactive intervention in maternal suicide awareness and prevention.
My journey towards creating this campaign began upon meeting Kristina, a survivor of perinatal psychosis. Her harrowing narrative and her near-miss with suicide struck a very personal chord. Kristina’s story was not just a recount of survival but a call for urgent action to prevent such dire situations from ensnaring others.
However, my connection to Kristina’s experience was from a distinctly different yet intimately connected perspective—that of a child. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the debilitating effects of mental health issues on my mother, who grappled with bipolar disorder. The shadow it cast over our family was long and difficult. Despite the turmoil, we were one of the fortunate ones; my mother survived. This personal history with maternal mental health issues not only shaped my understanding but also my resolve to help others.
Living through the challenges that come with having a loved one struggle so intensely, I became acutely aware of the ripple effects such conditions can have on a family. The trauma isn’t confined to the individual; it permeates the entire family unit, altering lives and shaping futures. This insight was pivotal in my decision to advocate for those silently suffering.
The campaign, therefore, was conceived as a beacon of hope and a preventative tool aimed at illuminating the often-overlooked signs of maternal mental health struggles. Our mission with “Is MOM OK” is twofold. Firstly, we aim to educate families and communities about the red flags of maternal suicide. Recognizing these early warning signs is crucial and can be life-saving. Secondly, we are dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources to take swift and effective action.
The campaign’s name is a prompt, a simple yet powerful question that we encourage people to ask. When I was a new mom, it felt like I became invisible, and everyone’s focus was on the baby. Is MOM OK? It is an invitation to initiate potentially difficult but necessary conversations about the physical changes that moms are experiencing at this time. It’s a call to pay attention, to care, and to act. By asking, “Is MOM OK?” we open the door to support, intervention, and, ultimately, prevention.
In conclusion, the “Is MOM OK” Maternal Suicide Prevention Campaign is more than just an initiative; it is a personal crusade fueled by past experiences and a fervent desire to make a tangible difference. It is a tribute to all the mothers like mine and Kristina, who have fought their battles silently. Through this campaign, we aspire to create a world where maternal mental health is prioritized and the well-being of mothers is safeguarded, ensuring that families remain whole.