If We Want to Save Children, We have to Save Women: A Call to Action From Founder and CEO of Thrive Wellness Kat Geiger, LCSW, CEDS, PHM-C

Thrive • February 22, 2023

By Thrive Wellness Reno’s CEO and Founder Kat Geiger, LCSW, CEDS,
PHM-C

We need to talk about postpartum mental health. In the wake of the tragedy that occurred within the Clancy family from Massachusetts- resulting in the deaths of the three Clancy children, and the paralyzation of Lindsay Clancy- a conversation about postpartum and perinatal mental health is pertinent and long overdue. I will not pretend to understand what happened on January 24, 2023 in the mind of this 32 year-old labor and delivery nurse and mom of three. News sources are reporting that she was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and postpartum depression. Her diary revealed that she was experiencing suicidal thoughts occurring regularly and at least one thought of killing her children for the month prior to killing them.

How did we fail her? How are we as a society not able to identify, treat, and support women like Lindsay in their parenting, in their suffering? In not normalizing the experience of depression during the postpartum and perinatal period and the grieving of the storybook expectation that we have placed on women unabashedly during this time of their lives? What happened within the Postpartum depression is common, with approximately fifteen percent of women qualifying for a diagnosis. Clancy family is extremely rare. Postpartum psychosis, however, is less common, with 2.6 out of 1000 women qualifying for a diagnosis. Only four percent of those women kill their children. Five percent die by suicide. What can we do to take steps toward preventing these rare tragedies? If we want to save children, we have to save women.

First, we must EDUCATE.

Educate ourselves on how common the emotions of dissatisfaction, sadness, and disappointment are during the perinatal period toward our roles as parents, toward our partners, and even toward our children. We experience these emotions alongside mourning the loss of many of our other roles as professionals, experts, friends, and lovers. We feel guilt and shame about the unanticipated emotions we go through during this joyous period. Performative joy becomes a priority; we bury the guilt and shame deep down inside, only allowing others to see the emotions we believe we “should” feel during this time and in so doing, sidestepping our own desperate need for authentic connection.

We must educate not only ourselves, but others on how frequently the rupture and repair process occurs within marriages during this time period. It isn’t Disneyland. Often relationships with other family members change during this time period as well. Suddenly, our relative who smokes isn’t allowed in to see the baby if the smell of cigarettes accompanies them; our relative who refuses to mask isn’t allowed to hold the baby. We become frustrated with our older children for taking more attention during this time or being too loud or rough with the baby. All of these experiences are to be expected.

We must also educate ourselves on the frequency of perinatal mood, anxiety, and bipolar disorders instead of embracing the false belief that these disorders are rare. While five out of every 100 people have natural blond hair in the U.S.- 15 women out of every 100 experience postpartum depression. It is the most common complication of child bearing. Out of 100 postpartum women, 10 will experience anxiety, nine will experience post traumatic stress disorder, and 2.8 have bipolar disorder.

It is a necessity to educate ourselves to the frequency in which women experience trauma and violence in and around pregnancy and delivery, making them more at risk for mental health struggles. Up to 45% of new mothers report experiencing birth trauma. This and any real or perceived trauma can lead to PTSD. Further, maternal mortality rates are on the rise for all women in the United States, but especially for non-hispanic black women according to the CDC. Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the United States scores poorly on maternal and infant health indicators. In fact, U.S. infant mortality rate ranks 33rd out of the 35 countries included in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Research indicates that this rise in morbidity and mortality for women and infants in the U.S. is due to inequalities in access to healthcare and poverty. Even more distressing, women in the U.S. who are pregnant or who have recently given birth are more likely to be murdered than to die from obstetric causes. These homicides are linked to a deadly mix of intimate partner violence and firearms, according to researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. It’s no wonder that the very thought of childbearing comes with mixed emotions for women.

Next, we must EQUIP.

So what do we do about this crisis? Understand what is needed to support new parents before, during, and after the birth of a child- ANY child. Not just their first one.

We must equip women with a village: a village, or rather a community, of professional, peer, elder, and family support that they can rely on during the first year of life for a child. Normalize the dependency on this village during this time.

Equip providers offices for universal screening and “screen to treat clinic” functionality. The World Health Organization states: “Supporting good mental health can improve health outcomes, and the quality of maternal and child health services for all women can be improved by creating an environment where they feel safe to discuss any difficulties they are experiencing in a respectful and caring environment that is free from stigmatization.” We must standardize universal depression and anxiety screenings at every perinatal and postpartum appointment as well as each pediatrician visit, every visit for the first year of a child’s life and during gestation.

Numerous national organizations (American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, United States Preventive Services Task Force, American Academy of Pediatrics) have endorsed mental health screening during the perinatal period in an effort to improve pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight, as well as to improve long-term maternal–child health and wellness (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 2015 ; Committee on Obstetric Practice, 2015 ; Siu et al. 2016 ).

We need to equip women by integrating a therapist specially trained in perinatal mental health into OBGYN offices for seamless integration of care. Obstetrics and gynecology patients have been found to be nearly four times more likely to follow up with behavioral health treatment when services are offered at the same clinic compared to being referred to a clinic that is located outside the OBGYN office setting (Byatt et al. 2013 ; Melville et al. 2014 ; Poleshuck and Woods, 2014 ). A stigma exists among patients regarding the need for mental health care during pregnancy and the postpartum period (Gunn and Blount, 2009 ; Blount, 2013 ; Melville et al. 2014 ). This factor, among others, leads to a large proportion of patients who do not follow through with outside mental health referrals (Kwee and McBride, 2015 ). We must equip women by making it easier for them to seek mental health care in this way.

Equip women by meeting with a mental health provider as a preventative part of their perinatal care.

Equip women by standardizing a perinatal therapist visit in the hospital. Meeting with a perinatal therapist prior to going home with a baby would assist with expectation management of the first few days of parenting a new baby and assist with resource building, ensuring that the client has access to a “village” of support.

All in all we must equip women by normalizing, destigmatizing, and providing perinatal mental health care early and often.

Finally, we must ELEVATE.

Elevate the importance and urgency with which we talk about perinatal mental health.

Elevate the importance of mental health by asking about it early and often. When you visit a friend following the birth of a child, ask how they are doing. Be specific in asking about their mental health. “How are you adjusting to parenthood? How has it impacted you?” If the situation calls for it, or you have a concern, ask a friend “Are you having thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby?” Remind your friend that they are not a bad parent for struggling with those thoughts. Pointing them in the right direction of pursuing therapy and elevating the importance of this by encouraging them to make the call right then and there with you can be life changing.

As providers and as members of society at large, we must demand that our healthcare system does differently. We must demand this through taking up space in the public arena with regard to the maternal mental health issue and its related causes. In demanding legislation changes, openly discussing our own pursuit of therapeutic and mental health support thus destigmatizes it. Standardizing mental health treatment and check ups in the same way we do annual wellness exams for our bodies and finally demanding that our local, national, and international news and media outlets cover women’s mental health at every possible intersection prompts change and not just when a mother kills her children.

We are called to elevate the importance of perinatal mental health by understanding that it is a social justice issue. In bearing children, women are often significantly behind men in terms of wages, accumulation of wealth, education, career advancement, and healthcare equity. This is known as the “Motherhood Penalty.” Hiring managers are less likely to hire mothers compared to women who don’t have kids, and when employers do make an offer to a mother, they offer her a lower salary than they do other women. Men, by contrast, do not suffer a penalty when they become parents. In fact, there’s some evidence of a “fatherhood bonus” in which their earnings actually increase. A study by the Census Bureau researchers found that between two years before the birth of a couple’s first child and a year after, the earnings gap between opposite-sex spouses doubles. The gap continues to grow until that child reaches age 10. Based on a large body of research, we know that lower income is associated with poorer mental health outcomes.

We must elevate this issue by highlighting the necessity of resources that are vital to women’s physical and mental health and not stop talking about this until those resources are a part of standard healthcare. This is a call to representatives, congresspeople, and senators at every level.

Be persistent and unrelenting in resolving issues that contribute to inequalities in healthcare as well as the gender wage gap as these ultimately lead to poor maternal mental health outcomes.

About the Author

Thrive Wellness Reno’s CEO and Founder Kat Geiger, LCSW, CEDS, PHM-C

Kat Geiger, LCSW, CEDS, PMHC, is the founder and CEO of Thrive Wellness — a multidisciplinary team-based clinic specializing in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and overall mental, behavioral, and physical health. Kat earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of California, Berkeley, and has twenty years of experience in mental health care. She has served as a mental health tech, therapist, clinical director, executive director, and CEO throughout her career. Her expertise includes treating eating disorders, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders, as well as emergency psychiatric intervention and pediatric psychiatric intervention. She has been awarded the 20 under 40 award in Reno, NV. and several other leadership awards throughout her career.

The post If We Want to Save Children, We have to Save Women: A Call to Action From Founder and CEO of Thrive Wellness Kat Geiger, LCSW, CEDS, PHM-C first appeared on Thrive Wellness.

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Breaking Down Barriers: Debunking the Most Common Eating Disorder Myths

By Sage Tippie • February 14, 2025

This Eating Disorders Awareness Month, we’re focusing on fighting the misinformation and stereotypes surrounding eating disorders that so often create barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Myths about eating disorders can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and keep people from receiving effective and timely treatment when they need it. It’s no secret that the field of eating disorders is riddled with misinformation, leading to confusion, stigma, and shame for those struggling. In this blog post, we'll explore the common myths about eating disorders and fight them with concrete facts in the hopes of building a more informed and educated community when it comes to these serious mental health conditions. Eating Disorder Myths Versus Facts Myth: Only those who are medically underweight have an eating disorder. Fact: Someone can have an eating disorder at any weight. In fact, less than 6% of those diagnosed with an eating disorder are medically underweight. There is even a specific diagnosis for those who are not underweight showing the symptoms of anorexia called atypical anorexia. People of all sizes are at risk for serious complications from an eating disorder, not just those that are underweight. Myth: Only women have eating disorders Fact: Although often associated with teen girls, eating disorders can affect those of any gender and age. While stereotypes and stigma surrounding eating disorders may tell us that men are not commonly affected by them, research has found that nearly 25% of those who present for eating disorder treatment are male. Keeping an open mind around who can be affected by eating disorders allows for more accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment for those who need it. Myth: Eating disorders are just about food. Facts: While eating disorders always involve an unhealthy relationship with food or body image, they also are rooted in biological, psychological and sociocultural aspects. Eating disorders cannot be treated just by changing eating behaviors, but by addressing the mental aspect of the illness as well. This is why integrated treatment involving a team of social workers, primary care specialists, therapists, and in some cases occupational therapists or psychiatrists is so crucial: a holistic approach is needed to treat all aspects of an eating disorder. Myth: Eating disorders aren’t that serious. Fact: Eating disorders are extremely serious and life-threatening mental disorders that require dedicated treatment. In fact, anorexia nervosa has the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. By taking eating disorders and their diagnosis and treatment seriously, we can save lives. Myth: Eating disorders are a choice. Fact: Just like any other illness, eating disorders are not a choice or a phase, nor is recovery from an eating disorder just a simple decision to start eating more or less. Recovery is not dependent on willpower, but on ongoing professional treatment and long-term support. The recovery process can be lengthy and challenging, requiring patience and a supportive environment and team on your side. It is a gradual, step-by-step journey, rather than an instantaneous decision made on one person’s part. Myth: Eating disorders always involve negative body image. Fact: Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) does not have to do with body image. Those with ARFID may avoid many foods because of texture, taste, color, or smell, or feared outcomes of eating like choking or vomiting. Like any other eating disorder, ARFID is serious and requires specialized treatment like exposure-response prevention therapy. Myth: Eating disorders only affect White people. Fact: Although Black, Latina/o/x/e, Indigenous/Native, and Asian people are historically underrepresented in studies of eating disorders, large-scale studies have found that rates of eating disorders are the same or higher in all racial and ethnic groups as compared to white individuals (NEDA). Removing racial stereotypes around eating disorders can help to remove barriers that BIPOC individuals commonly face when seeking treatment. Dispelling the Myths: A Path Towards Understanding By addressing and dispelling these myths, we can create a safe space that promotes understanding and empathy. Eating disorders are not choices or phases, but debilitating mental health issues that can affect anyone. Recognizing the seriousness of these disorders is so important in reducing stigma and ensuring that those who are struggling receive the care and support they require. This month and every month, we encourage you to fight misinformation and stick up for those experiencing eating disorders, because knowledge and education can be one of the greatest assets to recovery for those who need it. If you or someone you know is in need of eating disorder support, don’t be afraid to reach out , our team of healthcare professionals are here for you. To learn more about eating disorders and the journey to recovery, download our free eating disorders guide .

Why Eating Disorder Awareness Matters

By Sage Tippie • February 6, 2025

Did you know that February is Eating Disorder Awareness month? Here at Thrive, we're passionate about educating our community and providing tools for eating disorder recognition while offering the specialized support and treatment that those with eating disorders deserve. Join us this month in the conversation around eating disorders and putting an end to harmful stereotypes and misinformation. Let's cover six reasons why building awareness around eating disorders is so crucial. 6 reasons why eating disorder awareness is important 1. Eating disorders are serious. Despite often being termed as a "choice" or a "phase," eating disorders are an incredibly serious psychological condition that require specialized treatment and support. Anorexia Nervosa has the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric diagnosis in the United States, and every 52 minutes, 1 person dies as a direct consequence of an eating disorder (NEDA) . By spreading awareness and providing early intervention in eating disorder treatment, we can not only change lives, but save them. 2. Eating disorders are more common than you think. 9% of the US population will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives and 22% of children and adolescents worldwide show symptoms of disordered eating (NEDA). Since eating disorders can be challenging to detect, many go undiagnosed. Raising awareness for eating disorders and educating our community partners about their symptoms can allow us to catch eating disorders as early as possible and bring these statistics down. 3. Fight harmful eating disorder stereotypes. A common stereotype in association with eating disorders is that of the "thin, white, affluent female," however, anyone is at risk of an eating disorder despite their appearance or background. Stereotypes associated with eating disorders around weight, gender, age and race can create serious barriers to seeking care and major disparities in treatment. People experiencing an eating disorder can face challenges in seeking and receiving treatment or may feel unworthy of recovery when they don’t fit a stereotype, preventing them from gaining needed support and treatment. Promoting diversity and representation through awareness and education can help to break down the harmful stereotypes that have historically surrounded eating disorders. 4. Eating disorder recovery is not a one person job. Family and loved ones’ involvement in eating disorder treatment is crucial for recovery. Family-based therapy (FBT) has proven to be effective in 50% of patients being treated for anorexia nervosa, and is effective in the treatment of other eating disorders as well. A strong support system and steadfast relationships through the struggles associated with eating disorders can lead to more effective and long-lasting recovery. With more awareness and education, people will be better equipped to provide assistance to their loved ones in recovery. 5. You’re not alone. Eating disorders can be an isolating and painful disorder, making those experiencing it feel like they’re the only ones, or that no one understands what they’re going through. Building an informed community through awareness and education can be the first step towards diagnosis and treatment for those who need it. 6. Recovery is Real. Those with eating disorders are capable of long-term recovery through appropriate treatment. Research has found that the earlier intervention takes place in the treatment of eating disorders, the better the odds of long-term recovery are. Awareness and education around eating disorders helps the people that need support find it sooner, resulting in a repaired relationship with food and the body and a fuller life. How can I get involved in eating disorder awareness efforts? To get involved in eating disorder awareness efforts, start by educating yourself about the complexities and different types of eating disorders. By gaining a deeper understanding, you can become a more effective advocate. You can also consider participating in local or national events such as walks, trainings, or online webinars that aim to raise awareness, provide support to those affected, and offer education around eating disorders and their diagnosis. Another simple step for building awareness can be using your social media platform to share factual information, personal stories, or relevant resources that can help demystify eating disorders and reduce stigma. Additionally, supporting legislative efforts that promote mental health education and funding for eating disorder research can help in creating systemic change. By taking these steps, you can contribute to this important movement and work alongside us to foster acceptance, encourage early intervention, and ultimately save lives. Eating Disorder Treatment and Support Thrive offers a free eating disorder guide with more information about eating disorder symptoms and recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with eating or body image, don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for support. At Thrive Wellness, we offer a number of treatment options for all ages and genders, including a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program, outpatient therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition services, and more. Don’t wait to get started on treatment, contact us for a free eating disorder assessment today.

Alcohol and Mental Health: How Alcohol Effects Anxiety and Depression

By Thrive • January 24, 2025

You’ve probably heard of “Dry January” or are even participating yourself. More and more people seem to be experimenting with or embracing sobriety from alcohol, but what benefits are there from abstaining? In this article, we’ll explore alcohol’s effects on mental health, the symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD), and the benefits of cutting back on drinking. Alcohol's Effects on Mental Health Commonly consumed as a way to relax after a long day or to lighten up in social interactions, alcohol is a widely used and culturally accepted drug despite warnings of its dangers by health experts . When a person regularly drinks, it can result in a slew of complications for their physical and mental health. Although often consumed in an attempt to escape stress, sadness, or other unpleasant emotions, alcohol itself is a depressant that can contribute to negative feelings and exacerbate existing mental health conditions, especially with prolonged use. Alcohol influences thoughts, mood, and behaviors by impacting the central nervous system in a way that slows the communication between the brain and the body. Without the ability to process information effectively, the brain isn't able to regulate emotions and consider consequences effectively which may promote unhealthy behaviors, including drinking to excess. Ways that alcohol can affect cognitive functioning include: Lowering inhibitions Contributing to poor judgment Causing confusion Causing lapses in memory Disrupting sleep Contributing to shifts in mood Alcohol and Mental Disorders According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 37% of people with alcohol use disorders also have at least one serious mental illness. Furthermore, alcohol abuse commonly occurs alongside depression and anxiety . Research has shown that those with major depressive disorder and those with generalized anxiety disorder were more likely to report life‐time moderate to severe alcohol use disorder than those without these conditions. Frequently, individuals struggling with depression or anxiety self-medicate by drinking alcohol. Although alcohol may provide temporary relief, it expends the chemicals in the brain which help ward off anxiety and depression. When the initial effects of the drug fade, individuals are typically left feeling more depressed or anxious than they did before they began drinking. Related: Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse, and Substance Abuse Disorders Alcohol Use and Depression The slowed functioning of the brain caused by alcohol can allow individuals to numb to their suffering. As such, those experiencing depression may be inclined to drink to avoid the sadness, pain, and hopelessness associated with depression. This maladaptive coping behavior is so prevalent that research shows a clear relationship between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and major depression. Using alcohol while depressed can be extremely dangerous. Not only can alcohol negatively interact with antidepressants, but it can also place individuals experiencing depression at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior . If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors , you can reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Alcohol Use and Anxiety According to a study on anxiety and AUD , a person with an anxiety disorder is two to three times more likely to develop an alcohol abuse disorder. When individuals with anxiety drink alcohol, they may feel an initial alleviation of their symptoms as well as a sense of euphoria. However, the symptoms of hangovers and alcohol withdrawal following heavy drinking can heighten feelings of anxiousness and interfere with ones daily obligations, contributing to even more agitation. This feeling of dread and anxiety associated with a hangover is commonly referred to as " hangxiety ," but for those with existing anxiety conditions, this side effect of drinking can feel unbearable. Individuals with anxiety may be driven to drink more to tamper their stress and re-establish the sense of euphoria, resulting in a dangerous cycle of alcohol abuse. Unhealthy Drinking Behaviors and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Most who regularly drink alcohol don't have AUD, which develops when addiction is present. However, alcohol-related side-effects on mental health are still common, and they may still benefit from mental health support . Signs of unhealthy alcohol use include: Feeling a need to consume alcohol to make it through the day Feeling unable to stop consuming alcohol Progressively feeling a need to increase consumption of alcohol Drinking to prevent or alleviate symptoms of hangover or withdrawal Feeling ashamed of ones alcohol consumption Having loved ones express concern over drinking habits AUD is a condition that is often driven by genetics, abuse, trauma, or unhealthy family dynamics. Healing from AUD is possible and it can be treated with the help of mental health professionals and a dedicated treatment plan. Signs of AUD include: Alcohol use that interferes with the ability to carry out daily activities Drinking despite the behaviors adverse effects on their life Often drinking more or for a longer period of time than intended Persistent desire and unsuccessful attempts to curb alcohol use Revolving their schedule around drinking Experiencing strong cravings for alcohol Continuing to drink despite experiencing recurring illness or social issues as a result of alcohol use Giving up activities one used to enjoy in favor of drinking Using alcohol during situations where its physically hazardous to be impaired Continuing to use alcohol despite knowing that it exacerbates a known existing health condition Developing a tolerance for alcohol, or needing more alcohol to feel the same effects Experiencing alcohol withdrawal or drinking more to avoid withdrawal What are the Mental Health Benefits of Going Sober or Drinking Less Alcohol? Reducing or eliminating your alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of mental health benefits, improving your overall quality of life. When going sober or cutting back on your alcohol consumption, some of the benefits you can look forward to are: Improved mood stability, including reduced feelings of depression and anxiety Improved sleep quality Enhanced cognitive function Increased energy levels Improved concentration and productivity Increased self-esteem More authentic social interactions Improved relationships Limiting your alcohol consumption has the capability to change your life for the better, as it can help you establish a healthier mental environment, build better connections, and improve your physical health. Support for Alcohol Abuse and its Mental Health Impacts As humans, it can be uncomfortable for us to process difficult experiences and feel intense emotions. Therapy can help heal the source of your struggles driving alcohol abuse, while also guiding you in implementing healthy strategies for processing painful emotions. Through professional mental health support, you can be empowered to embrace life without having to rely on alcohol. Thrive offers outpatient therapy for substance abuse struggles in addition to other mental and behavioral health conditions. Reach out to learn more. Additional Resources SAMHSAs National Helpline : A free, confidential, and 24/7 service for individuals and families facing mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders, reachable by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or texting 435748 (HELP4U). National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholisms (NIAAA) Treatment for Alcohol Problems : A guide for individuals and their loved ones who are looking for options to address struggles with alcohol use.