From Ulaanbaatar to New Jersey, Lauraine, program supervisor, represented the partnership on a fantastic journey. My recent journey has been nothing short of transformative. Immersing myself in the vibrant culture of Mongolia and connecting with healthcare professionals and working mothers has given me profound insights into the maternal mental health landscape. This experience has enriched my understanding of cultural nuances and reinforced the importance of peer support and the strategic use of social media in raising awareness. Join me as I share how these valuable lessons are shaping our efforts at the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, striving to create a lasting impact on maternal mental health care both locally and globally.
Key Takeaways from Mongolia
- Strength of Peer Support:
One of the most significant learnings was witnessing the power of peer support. The support group initiative I co-implemented with Nomin-Erdene Zorigtugs through the Momade Virtual Assistant Agency of Mongolia underscored how social cohesion fosters trust and openness, which is crucial in addressing postpartum depression.
- Impact of Social Media Campaigns:
It was eye-opening to observe the role of social media in raising awareness. Effective campaigns started vital conversations around maternal mental health issues, showcasing the media’s potential in mental health advocacy.
- Cultural Nuances in Mental Health:
Mongolia’s unique cultural context shaped women’s experiences and perceptions of mental health. Understanding these nuances is critical to providing culturally sensitive support.
Applying Insights to Our Work at the Partnership
Leveraging Social Media
Inspired by Mongolia’s success, I plan to harness social media more strategically to raise awareness and reduce stigma around maternal mental health. We can foster necessary conversations and support networks by engaging a broader audience.
Enhancing Peer Support
The success of the support group in Mongolia reinforced the importance of creating safe spaces for women to share their experiences. We will intensify efforts at the Partnership to facilitate environments where women feel seen and heard.
Personal Reflections
One thing that truly stood out from this experience was Mongolia’s landscape. Mongolia has the most beautiful landscape and people I have ever seen. Professionally, I had the chance to witness the power of a support group. I facilitate support groups all the time, but in Mongolia, I saw firsthand how creating a safe space for women to share their experiences can break down barriers of stigma and isolation. The level of openness within the support group reinforced the importance of fostering an environment where people feel seen and heard.
Challenges
The language barrier was a huge obstacle! The language barrier sometimes hindered communication, and even though I had Nomin by my side, the nuances of mental health concepts didn’t always translate easily. Additionally, there was limited availability of mental health resources and trained mental health professionals, which made it difficult to implement some of the initiatives on a broader scale. Another unexpected challenge was feeling like a unicorn. Being one of the few black women people encountered led to uncomfortable stares and requests to take pictures. While most of these interactions had good meaning, they were sometimes overwhelming.
Ongoing Collaboration
We plan to sustain the relationships built in Mongolia through regular virtual meetings and email check-ins. Exploring partnerships with international perinatal mental health organizations will help scale educational efforts and resources.
My experience in Mongolia has laid a strong foundation for enhancing maternal mental health care. The support group initiative and successful social media campaign with Family Radio 104.5 have made a lasting impact. This journey has strengthened my resolve to advocate for maternal mental health globally, aligning with the Partnership’s commitment to changing the paradigm.
Future Collaboration Plans
We aim to facilitate collaboration with international organizations like Postpartum Support International and The International Marce Society for Perinatal Mental Health. This will involve exploring opportunities for international training and building a robust perinatal mental health community in Mongolia.
Impact of CEE and CEPex Programs:
Hosting the Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program and participating in the Community Engagement Project Exchange (CEPex) have enriched the Partnership. These programs foster internationalization, offer unique perspectives, and provide professional development opportunities, enhancing our mission to support maternal mental health.
By integrating these learnings and collaborations, we strive to create lasting change in maternal mental health care, both locally and globally.