MAYVILLE – With the goal of providing educational content to confront rural mental health challenges and the stigma that surrounds mental illness, Rural Minds and the National Grange will present a webinar about managing postpartum depression in rural America.

The professionally moderated, one-hour webinar will be presented on Tuesday at 6 p.m. For more information or to register, visit www.ruralminds.org/rural-mental-health-connections-webinar.

The presentation will feature Dr. Keisha Callins, a rural physician, public health professional, and obstetrician/gynecologist, to provide medical expertise on screening for postpartum depression and perspective on managing the condition while living in a rural area.

“I am pleased to participate in this webinar to raise awareness of postpartum depression in October – Depression Awareness Month,” noted Dr. Callins. “People may confuse PPD with ‘baby blues’ but the two are very different. We’ll cover that in the conversation.”

The discussion will also include the barriers to mental health that are unique to living in a rural community. There’s a severe shortage of healthcare providers. Patients often must travel greater distances to see a physician. Unreliable or nonexistent internet service can eliminate the option of a telehealth appointment.

“We want people to know that, despite the challenges of living in a rural area, mental health services are available, and we’re going to discuss how to access them,” Dr. Callins added.

Also joining the webinar to speak from her experience with living in rural America and managing postpartum depression will be Carrie Banks, Peer Support Programs Director at Postpartum Support International.

“I can relate to moms in rural communities who may be struggling with postpartum depression or other perinatal mental health disorders and feeling isolated and alone,” said Carrie. “I want them to know that free help is available, no matter where they live, and that with support and time, they will get better.”