A recent article on the cover of the Denver Post stated, “More pregnant and postpartum women in Colorado die from suicide or drug overdoses than any other causes, and those deaths represent only a small percentage of moms who need help.”
Furthermore, a recent survey by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment found “about 12% of moms who gave birth in 2020 reported postpartum depression symptoms, and 32% reported anxiety in the first year after their child’s birth.”
As the only prenatal center in Archuleta County, Aspire has seen the rise in mental health challenges for new moms since COVID. Factors such as financial instability, geographic isolation, transportation challenges, food insecurity and a lack of health insurance contributes to a higher degree of mental stress for young families in Pagosa Springs.
To help solve this issue, Aspire began offering free mental health consulting services through Authentic Solutions in 2022. Thanks to an initial grant from Early Milestones Colorado and then a subsequent grant from Rocky Mountain Health Foundation, Aspire has been able to help more than 40 individuals receive free mental health counseling.
One client stated, “I’m forever grateful for the free counseling provided through Aspire. After struggling through my first pregnancy, delivery and postpartum, I wanted this experience to be brighter. Through counseling we’ve been able to work through the medical trauma I experienced, enabling a more positive pregnancy. My therapist has also been an invaluable tool as I’ve navigated raising a toddler, working, managing relationships and addressing anxiety surrounding limited medical options in a rural community.”
Pregnancy and the first three years of life are the foundation of healthy brain development and social/emotional development for children.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poor mental health in parents is related to poor mental and physical health in children. As a result, providing quality mental health services is essential to supporting families in our community.
“If we want to change the trajectory of children and families in Archuleta County, we need to offer quality mental health services that are both accessible and affordable,” said Marcy Mitchell, executive director of Aspire.
Aspire offers free counseling appointments on Wednesdays. All sessions are confidential with the counselors. If you are a parent of a young child or are pregnant and would like to speak to someone, please contact Aspire at (970) 264-5963 to schedule an appointment.
