This week, we’re joined by Alexandria Hershman, a licensed clinical therapist, for an important conversation about maternal mental health, a topic that has been brought to the forefront as the Lindsay Clancy trial continues.
Rather than focusing on the details of the trial itself, we’re using the conversation surrounding it as an opportunity to talk about the realities of postpartum mental health and the things we wish more women and families understood, while also sharing some of our own personal experiences.
Allie helps us break down the differences between the baby blues, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, and postpartum psychosis, including the signs that partners, family members, and friends should know to look for. We talk about the important distinction between intrusive thoughts and command hallucinations, why some symptoms require immediate intervention, and how difficult it can be for the people closest to a new mom to recognize when something is seriously wrong.
We also get into the role of medication and psychiatric care, the major gaps (that we have personally experienced) in the way women are screened and supported after giving birth, and one of the biggest barriers to getting help: the fear many mothers have that if they tell someone what they’re really thinking or experiencing, their children could be taken away.
This is a conversation about education, awareness, advocacy, and creating a world where mothers feel safe enough to say, “Something isn’t right. I need help.” and the need for our partners to understand and step in immediately and proactively.
If you're struggling right now, or want to set yourself up postpartum if you're currently pregnant, we cannot recommend Allie enough. You can find her at: https://www.alexandriahershman.com/ and @alexandriahershman @allie_jaie
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