“Access to affordable and timely mental health treatment and resources is a reason why many BIPOC individuals do not seek help. The COVID pandemic has made timely mental health care inaccessible for all socioeconomic groups, which I believe has made it twice as hard for BIPOC groups. In the Latinx community mental health illnesses and treatments are highly stigmatized. Where having a mental health illness is seen as a weakness or that mental health illness occurs due to a lack of faith/spirituality. ” Meet Lisette Lopez-Rose one of our Perinatal Support for Latinx Moms and Birthing People support group leaders. Prior to becoming a support group leader, Lisette was a help seeker in 2021 looking for resources and support while suffering with an undiagnosed Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders for 6 months. Lisette shares, “mental health illnesses during the perinatal period are brushed off as jitters in becoming a new parent. The education PSI provides is vital to understanding the risk factors to developing a mood and/or anxiety disorder and can help prepare you for the parenting transition or provide support. There are specific PMAD risks factors and parenting topics within the Latinx culture where this support group offers a nonjudgmental space to share these experiences. The Perinatal Mood Support for Moms and Parents are excellent groups to attend that support these topics, but at times I felt lonely with my cultural struggles and generational trauma I was processing in therapy. I hoped one day I could help in any capacity to destigmatize mental health in the Latinx community and I am proud to have helped launch this group within the PSI organization.” This group is a special virtual community to connect with others who have similar cultural experiences. It is amazing to see the Latinx group attendees hold each other up and I feel honored to provide support. Attending this group will help you feel less isolated and validate what you are feeling. Join our Perinatal Support for Latinx Moms & Birthing people every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 3PM EST/12PM PST. Visit the link in our bio, the get help tab, and then click online support groups to register.