July 08, 2024

349: Healing from Perinatal OCD with Danielle Silverstein of Marriage and Martinis

44 minutes

OCD can be a debilitating condition. My guest today shares her personal experience, including how some medical care can actually contribute to a worsening of symptoms. Hers is an important story for us to hear because no matter how devastating a perinatal mental health condition is, the overriding message is that healing is always available. Join us to learn more!

Danielle Silverstein knows the struggles of losing oneself amidst the busyness and chaos of life, but she is determined to keep finding, experiencing, and sharing fresh methods of self-discovery. She is committed to being outspoken when it comes to such important topics as maternal mental health, an experience that has become very personal for her. She has hosted the hit podcast, Marriage and Martinis, alongside her husband for the past five years. This endeavor has led to some of the most raw, open, and honest conversations that a “real” couple has ever shared in such a public way. Her wildly popular, record-breaking book and ebook, The Date Night Questions Experience, has helped partners worldwide connect in a refreshingly straightforward and uniquely impactful way.

Show Highlights:

Danielle’s story of her first pregnancy with her daughter, now 19: a lot of experiences that were scary and unknown for her and her husband

Living with (and noticing the signs of) a family history of OCD and anxiety—but not talking about it AT ALL

The debilitating effects of stopping OCD medication during her first pregnancy

Danielle’s doctors, 20 years ago, had NO concept of perinatal OCD and anxiety; they had no idea what to do to help her

Danielle’s pregnancy and first few months with her newborn daughter were moments of enjoyment overshadowed by anxiety

Wishing just one person had said something different to her about staying on her OCD/anxiety medication during her pregnancy

Danielle’s experience in reverting back to her childhood and moving back into her childhood bedroom during her pregnancy

The importance of finding THE right doctor–whether it means walking out of a practice or not (Do your research!!)

Important questions to ask your doctor about perinatal mental health

Why it feels hard to reach out for help when you feel shamed, pushed aside, and discounted by healthcare professionals

The trickiness of being in the creative space as a content creator because of judgy people and all kinds of voices coming at you

Why Danielle is committed to being outspoken about perinatal mental health and being the voice of support for ALL women’s experiences

Resources:

Connect with Danielle Silverstein and Marriage and Martinis: Website, Instagram, Marriage and Martinis Podcast, and The Date Night Questions Experience book

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to better support people for whom they provide services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

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By Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C

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