Mom and Mind

383: Behind the Sessions: The Emotional Process of Considering Medication with Dr. Kat

Listen Later

A common issue that comes up frequently in therapy is taking medication during the perinatal period. There is much debate and many conflicting emotions about this decision of whether or not to take medication. It’s a personal choice that each person has to make, but we need to understand the emotional process around this decision. Join me for a closer look!


Show Highlights:

  • Medication should be viewed as another tool in the toolkit.
  • Assessing symptoms that might indicate a need for medication
  • The role of a therapist is to be an objective onlooker.
  • The basic need to “get through” each day
  • The severity of symptoms doesn’t always align with the capacity to function.
  • Taking a sensible approach and a full-picture view
  • Dr. Kat’s process in suggesting medication to a patient
  • The wide range of responses to the suggestion of psychiatric medication: sadness, grief, disappointment, and defeat—-and SO much stigma!
  • The initial benefit of medication is feeling a weight lift off your shoulders so you can use coping skills and experience relief.
  • It’s okay to have medication questions, and other people’s opinions shouldn’t be the final say.
  • Dr. Kat’s words of encouragement about making this difficult decision


    • Resources:

    Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

    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 be more supportive in offering 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!

    If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store
    Mom and MindBy Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8

    4.8

    208 ratings

    More shows like Mom and Mind

    View all
    ADHD Experts Podcast by ADDitude

    ADHD Experts Podcast

    1,327 Listeners

    The Birth Hour - A Birth Story Podcast by Bryn Huntpalmer

    The Birth Hour - A Birth Story Podcast

    2,176 Listeners

    Edit Your Life | Simplify + Declutter Your Home, Time, and Mental Space by Christine Koh

    Edit Your Life | Simplify + Declutter Your Home, Time, and Mental Space

    515 Listeners

    10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

    10% Happier with Dan Harris

    12,722 Listeners

    Therapist Uncensored Podcast by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD

    Therapist Uncensored Podcast

    1,397 Listeners

    The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra, The Lazy Genius

    The Lazy Genius Podcast

    6,676 Listeners

    What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson

    What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms

    1,003 Listeners

    Evidence Based Birth® by Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN

    Evidence Based Birth®

    1,010 Listeners

    Light Up The Couch by Clearly Clinical

    Light Up The Couch

    337 Listeners

    Raising Good Humans by Dear Media, Aliza Pressman

    Raising Good Humans

    1,891 Listeners

    Momwell by Erica Djossa

    Momwell

    298 Listeners

    The Critical Care Obstetrics Podcast by Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics

    The Critical Care Obstetrics Podcast

    215 Listeners

    Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Dr. Becky Kennedy

    Good Inside with Dr. Becky

    4,518 Listeners

    We Can Do Hard Things by Treat Media and Glennon Doyle

    We Can Do Hard Things

    41,564 Listeners

    The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

    The Mel Robbins Podcast

    20,212 Listeners