We are hearing Alyssa’s story in today’s episode. She shares her experience with postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD, as well as her lifelong battle for mental health. We’ve discussed many times on the podcast that a history of mental health issues is a significant risk factor for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Because Alyssa did not get the help she needed when she needed it most, she has become a passionate advocate and supporter of other moms and families facing these issues. 

Alyssa Verge is a 31-year-old mom of a two-year-old and the stepmom of an eight-year-old. After her child was born, she was diagnosed with postpartum depression and anxiety and eventually with postpartum OCD. She’s passionate about mental health and healing generational trauma. 

Show Highlights:

The birth story of Alyssa’s son, when she felt the “baby blues” immediately after his birth

Being told everything she was feeling was “normal,” even though she was sincere and open about her experience

Alyssa’s husband finally found a therapist for her because he knew this couldn’t be normal.

Alyssa’s relief when she found out her feelings weren’t normal, and she was diagnosed with postpartum depression and anxiety

The prevalence of OCD, which wasn’t identified for several months

Unnatural fears about leaving the house and getting sick

OCD was manifested in her body’s refusal to take medication, even though it was what she wanted to do to get better.

Therapy tools that didn’t help for Alyssa: exposure therapy, scripts, positive brain talk

Feeling guilty for being a burden and not being able to get better

Finding balance in looking for support, with boundaries

Alyssa’s advice to others about accepting “normal,” having patience, and finding help

Resources:

Connect with Alyssa Verge: Instagram

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 seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.

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