Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Johnson.
Hi Megan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
On February 24, 2016, I lost my sister Emily Cook Dyches to Postpartum Anxiety. Emily battled Postpartum Anxiety for a year after the birth of her fifth child Trey. This year was full of ups and downs, struggles to find effective resources, and feelings of overwhelm as this was something both Emily and our family had never experienced on this level before. Emily had a severe panic attack while riding in the car on the freeway with my dad. In her state of panic, she tried to escape the car, was able to do so, and was in an auto-pedestrian accident that took her life.
Emily’s story was on the news and within days of her passing we had several moms reach out to us and shared that because they heard Emily’s story, they were going to reach out and get help. As a family, we knew that her story needed to be shared and that we needed to start a movement to raise awareness about Postpartum Mood Disorders and improve resources for moms. A few months later, The Emily Effect was born. The name references the profound impact Emily had on people in her life as well as our desire to effect change in the world of maternal mental health.
The mission of The Emily Effect is to end the stigma behind Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders, improve maternal mental health resources, and provide support to moms and families. We have done this by using social media and our website to share not only Emily’s story but the story of other moms to create more light and connection on this topic. We also use social media and our website to educate about maternal health and the resources available to moms and their families. We’ve held and participated in various events to create awareness and bring people together to connect on this important topic.
Working with like-minded individuals and professionals to improve resources and care for moms at both the local and national levels has been a crucial component of our work. This has included working with medical providers, hospitals, and our state leaders at both the state and national levels to improve policies and increase funding for maternal mental health.
Seven years ago, Emily’s story ignited a movement that I don’t think could have been created in any other way. Her story was a wake-up call. It poured gasoline on the fire because Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders are the number one complication of childbirth so Emily’s story is the story of countless moms. The changes I have seen take place these past seven years have been nothing short of remarkable.
We aren’t there yet, but we are heading in the right direction. I’m so grateful for the changes when it comes to better screening, more resources, and improvements in how we are treating moms. But perhaps the change that is most meaningful to me personally is the change I’ve seen in reducing the stigma surrounding these disorders, It’s the change in the conversation about this topic and the fact that it is becoming a regular topic of conversation in a way that helps moms realize that they aren’t to blame and that it’s okay to get help.
Emily’s story has impacted thousands of women. The biggest win of these past seven years is that I still have women reach out to me regularly and say, “Because I heard your sister’s story, I’m reaching out and getting help today.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Trying to create something positive out of personal tragedy comes with a unique set of contraries to navigate. On one hand, the work I’ve done with The Emily Effect has given meaning and purpose to what my family and I have gone through.
On the other, we have done it while working through our own grief and trying to put our lives back together. Grief is complicated. It cycles. One of the struggles along the way has been to balance when to channel that grief into the foundation in a healthy way, and when to step back and give myself personal space. The foundation has been a huge part of my healing. It is also the huge sacrifice of time and effort.
Another challenge has been having access to resources and funding. We have tried several things over the years and I’ve learned a lot about effective and ineffective fundraising. Building relationships is crucial.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In addition to being the Co-Founder of The Emily Effect, I also have a Master’s in Social Work and am certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy.
My professional background has been crucial to my work with The Emily Effect. I believe my background as a therapist, my experience with losing my sister Emily to mental illness, and my own experiences with mental health challenges set me apart when it comes to advocating for mental health on a community level as well as helping individuals.
My training in Clinical Hypnotherapy has also been a great asset and tool to use in my practice. I am most proud of the work I have done with The Emily Effect and the progress that has taken place as a result of our joint efforts with others.
What do you think about luck?
I believe that when we experience hard things in life, especially tragedy, that God will provide a way to make those things work for our good if we’re willing to let Him. One of the biggest keys to the progress we’ve been able to contribute to with The Emily Effect is being connected to the right people at the right time. These connections have helped us create change and progress.
Most importantly, they’ve helped us reach individuals and given us the opportunity to have an impact on their lives. I want to be clear that I’m not taking responsibility for change and progress.
I’m simply grateful to have been able to be connected to the right people at the right times and that God has strengthened and guided me on this journey. I don’t believe in luck. I believe in simply being willing to put yourself on a path and that as we pursue that path, people and situations that can help us and help others will come our way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theemilyeffect.org
- Instagram: @the_emily_effect
- Facebook: @EmilyEffect
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKClad54d17WdD5tGhrDpYQ
