S2E2: Let’s Focus on Mama: Mental Health and Postpartum Depression

This courageous episode explores commonality among mental health cases involving the birth of a child. Postpartum depression impacts 70-80% of women after childbirth, and this is not including undocumented cases, like the one presented by guest Angela Fout.

We also welcome back Erica-Jayne Dalquhist, LMHC, to explore symptoms, treatment plans, and current research in postpartum clients, and what you can do as a recent, expecting, or current mother or partner to generate an effective after-birth care plan.

One of the best parts of creating this podcast has been connecting with community members who can relate to our content. I firmly believe the best way to combat stigma is by talking about it, what better platform than a podcast to do this?

Of the topics we have already considered, one of the most shared experiences coming from the audience has been struggles with postpartum depression.

Myself, Angela Fout, and Erica Jayne Dalquhist discussing postpartum depression.

Of the many accounts I listened to, I noticed direct and repetitive patterns. Women who suffered or are suffering from postpartum typically feel a great deal of shame, refuse help from others when it is offered, struggle to understand how or why they are having intrusive thoughts, feel like they cannot provide for their child, are leery of being put on medication, and asking themselves, “when does postpartum depression start?”

All of these questions and more will be answered in this episode. I highly recommend this episode not only for our expecting and/or active mothers, but for your support system, spouse, provider, or outreach programs.

This episode will also cover signs of postpartum depression, postpartum depression treatment, and expectancies of how long postpartum will last. We also discuss where you can take a postpartum depression test, and wellness tips to help guide you through the mental side of childbirth.

To any mother out there- new, expectant, or vetted…remember, you are BEAUTIFUL, you are STRONG, and you are WORTHY.

You are deserving of a long, loving, and healthy life with you, yourself, your family, your baby, your body, your mind, and your spirit.

Please, if you are struggling- reach out, accept the help, and seek treatment when it is needed. There are so many willing counselors and professionals waiting to help you through this difficult time.

Be well!