Ep. 6: Perinatal Mental Health Up Close: A Personal Story of Struggle and Healing

In this solo episode, Elizabeth shares her personal journey with perinatal mental health, opening up about postpartum depression, anxiety, overwhelm, intrusive thoughts and the cultural pressure to be a “good mom.” From a challenging pregnancy and birth to the isolation so many moms know too well, she reflects on how biological, psychological, social and situational experiences shaped her entry into motherhood—and the turning points that led her toward healing, clarity, and self-compassion.

This conversation is part personal story, part clinical crash course in maternal mental health, and part roadmap for moms who are struggling in early motherhood and wondering if they’re the only ones.  Elizabeth hopes that hearing her experience may help you to gain valuable insight about your own, and inspire you with the knowledge that gaining self-understanding, sharing your story, finding validation and purpose, and connecting with the right resources can truly be life-changing.

resources

Postpartum Support International

Perinatal Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors + Treatment

Karen Kleiman: The Postpartum Stress Center + Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts

EMDR in the Perinatal Period

Kimberly Ann Johnson’s The Fourth Trimester

Note: If you are struggling with your mental health during the perinatal period, please call the PSI Helpline at 1-800-944-4773, or the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA.