Mom and Mind

407: Behind the Sessions: Recognizing Perinatal Mental Health Symptoms in Yourself


Listen Later

We are covering an important topic today because many people don’t realize that they are dealing with a perinatal mental health condition. They might even think their experience is “normal.” There is not enough information and awareness around what to look for and what to do about your symptoms. We simply aren’t taught how to recognize common symptoms and signs that we need help. My goal in this episode is to give context to perinatal mental health conditions and increase awareness while decreasing any shame and stigma. Join me to learn more!


Show Highlights:


  • Stigma and shame are silencing.
  • Misconceptions about the “baby blues” (NOT the same as postpartum depression!)
  • Common symptoms of postpartum depression
  • Watch out for rage.
  • Handling anxiety and excessive worry that are overwhelming and out of control
  • Intrusive thoughts happen to many people, but the stakes are higher when you have a new baby.
  • A mental health condition can look like ANY of us.
  • Understanding postpartum OCD and its characteristics
  • Common symptoms of PTSD
  • Understanding the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder
  • Postpartum psychosis: a condition that cannot be minimized or dismissed because of the seriousness of paranoia, delusions, erratic behavior, and disorientation
  • Tips to follow if you recognize any of these symptoms of perinatal mental health symptoms:
  • Acknowledge the symptoms.
  • Don’t blame yourself.
  • Talk through your feelings with a trusted someone.
  • Take the next steps to take care of your basic needs and self-care practices.
  • Seek professional help.
  • The good news: “ALL of these perinatal mental health conditions are treatable. You CAN get better!”

  • 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

    211 ratings


    More shows like Mom and Mind

    View all
    The Moth by The Moth

    The Moth

    27,070 Listeners

    Code Switch by NPR

    Code Switch

    14,690 Listeners

    The Daily by The New York Times

    The Daily

    113,420 Listeners

    Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel by Esther Perel Global Media

    Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

    14,936 Listeners

    Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe by PodcastOne

    Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe

    21,603 Listeners

    Oprah's Super Soul by Oprah

    Oprah's Super Soul

    31,727 Listeners

    Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee by Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author

    Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

    4,027 Listeners

    Call Her Daddy by Alex Cooper

    Call Her Daddy

    165,291 Listeners

    Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates by Psychopharmacology Institute

    Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

    296 Listeners

    Raising Good Humans by Dear Media, Aliza Pressman

    Raising Good Humans

    1,889 Listeners

    The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos by Pushkin Industries

    The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

    14,363 Listeners

    Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

    Huberman Lab

    29,258 Listeners

    Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Dr. Becky Kennedy

    Good Inside with Dr. Becky

    4,521 Listeners

    The Oprah Podcast by Harpo

    The Oprah Podcast

    1,667 Listeners

    Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

    Good Hang with Amy Poehler

    12,774 Listeners