In this episode, I sit down with Ayana Lage to discuss her experience with postpartum psychosis, from how her symptoms began to develop after giving birth; to what led to her commitment to a psychiatric ward; to how she made a full recovery and emerged empowered about her story. Ayana shares what her relationship with her mental health was before and during her pregnancy, why the line between postpartum exhaustion and postpartum depression is so confusing, and what it felt like in the throes of her psychosis. She talks about what it was like within the psychiatric ward, how she experienced PTSD after her experience, what she hopes others take away from her experience and own about their postpartum stories, and much more. Thank you to Ayana for being so vulnerable and brave and reminding us that we are never alone, whatever our mental health experiences have been.

Key Takeaway / Points:

• On the process of choosing to publicly share her experience with postpartum psychosis
• Ayana’s relationship with her mental health before and during her pregnancy
• The confusing line between postpartum exhaustion and postpartum depression
• How Ayana felt immediately after giving birth and how her postpartum psychosis progressed
• How it felt to experience delusions and what led to her commitment to a psychiatric ward
• Ayana’s experience within the psychiatric ward
• How Ayana began her recovery, the PTSD she experienced afterwards, and how she plans to prepare for another pregnancy in the future
• On what she hopes others take away from her experience
• On overcoming shame about her experience and embracing her story 
• On how being a black woman affected Ayana’s overall medical experience
• How Ayana feels more empowered now from her experience

Listen to my conversation with FF Fam member, Michelle, on postpartum depression here

This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.

Check out KiwiCo here and get your first month free on any crate line

Go to blissy.com/cameron and use code CAMERON for an additional 30% off

Find weeknight recipes as easy as Fill. Roll. Bake at Pillsbury.com

Shop Seed at seed.com/CAMERON and use code CAMERON to receive 25% off your first month of Seed DS-01Ⓡ Daily Synbiotic

Visit Amazon, search for “Braun Smart Thermometer” and use code 10FRECKLED at checkout for $10 off your order

Visit ​​thrivemarket.com/cameron and get 30% off your first order, plus a free $60 gift

Follow Ayana:

Instagram: @ayanagabriellelage

Follow me:

Instagram: @cameronoaksrogers

Website: freckledfoodie.com

TikTok: @cameronoaksrogers

Twitter: @freckledfoodie

Youtube: Cameron Rogers / Freckled Foodie

Pinterest: Freckled Foodie

Creative Lead: Amelie Yeager

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.