Have you done all of the hard work to improve your mood? You've gone to therapy, you've increased your activity, changed your diet, pray, meditate... All the things. You have experienced some improvement but still you struggle with things like irritability, low energy, and mood swings. Did you know that vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can negatively impact your mood?

By the end of today’s episode you’ll know:

• How & why vitamin deficiencies can impact your mood 
• Signs & symptoms of iron deficiency with or without anemia
• Labs you should request for proper assessment of your iron status
• How to boost your iron through diet and supplementation
• How to prioritize rest to improve the symptoms of iron deficiency

High potency Iron + Vitamin C Gentle on the digestive tract 

https://amzn.to/4cAUK1c Amazon Affiliate link

Black Girl Vitamins Co Iron Gummies gentle on the stomach no constipation

https://blackgirlvitamins.co/products/iron-gummies

Read this short article from The American Society of Hematology for more info on iron deficiency anemia https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency 

Learn more about iron deficiency WITHOUT anemia (low ferritin). How it works and its potential impact on your body https://www.thebloodproject.com/non-anemic-iron-deficiency-naid/

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Listening to this podcast does not replace being diagnosed and treated by a licensed medical professional  ☮️ 🫶🏽

Oops…. 

I accidentally overcomplicated my podcast production y’all. I discovered it was “simple” to add music, take out the filler words and all of that so of course every episode had to have the same edits. But here’s the truth, as a one woman show doing all of that editing gets TOUGH. Due to my other life obligations, if I have to take time to do tons of editing it delays the release of episodes. Therefore delaying the message, delaying awareness, delaying growth… 

Here’s what’s changing for now: 

• No music 
• More “ums”, bear with me y’all😅
• New episodes twice per month

It’s still me, I’m still here raising awareness, advocating for mama’s and families 💕

The podcast hit a milestone 🤩 Within 60 days of release, The Empowered Mama Podcast totaled over 25 downloads in three countries 👏🏽 It means the world to me that you see value in tuning in to this podcast 🫶🏽

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Listening to this podcast does not replace being diagnosed and treated by a licensed medical professional  ☮️ 🫶🏽

Have you ever left a conversation feeling like you missed out on sharing important details, key facts that may have shifted the trajectory of the conversation? This week we're taking one more look at the origins of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and how things like inattention, time blindness, and social anxiety can lead to a cascade of challenges for mothers. By the end of this episode you will better understand:

• More unique ways ADHD can present in motherhood
• Common postpartum experiences that may be linked to ADHD
• Simple strategies to help lessen the feeling of overwhelm

Completing a daily devotion through the YouVersion Bible app is one of the simple activities that has help support my long term mental wellness. I’d love to stay connected with you throughout the week by reading a Bible plan together. Click the Bible plan link to join me and other mama’s. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis you can call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988. 

For mother's who are pregnant, a new parent, or of childbearing age you can call or text the national maternal mental health hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for 24/7 support.

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of hurting yourself or others please call 9-1-1 to report a psychiatric emergency and request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer.

Dr. Gabor Mate himself was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Read his book "Scattered Minds: The origins and healing of Attention Deficit Disorder"  

https://amzn.to/4boXgHl (Amazon Affiliate link)

Read the article "From Foggy to Focused: Moms with ADHD" by ShaRhonda Donald, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MSN, RN-BC, ADHD-CCSP

https://postpartum.net/from-foggy-to-focused-moms-with-adhd/

Tips and strategies from the ADDitude magazine in the article "Overwhelmed Mom Syndrome-It's a real thing"

https://www.additudemag.com/overwhelmed-mom-with-adhd/?srsltid=AfmBOoq83Veq5-_Iivi4OKCKhqwEr98iGNP25HCAKefNSuVVddLgrK3c

This mother reflects on her experience as an empty nester looking back with regrets longing for a do-over in her article "Can I have a Do-Over? Motherhood and ADHD" by Jane Indergaard, DNP, RN

https://chadd.org/attention-article/can-i-have-a-do-over-motherhood-and-adhd/

Support National Day of Action for Maternal Mental Health: Online Advocacy Campaign. Sponsored by The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alli

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Listening to this podcast does not replace being diagnosed and treated by a licensed medical professional  ☮️ 🫶🏽

Have you ever forgotten to submit an important document or picked your kid up late from school? We all have days when things don't go exactly as planned. For some, those types of days happen far more often and can be disruptive to the motherhood experience and impact the whole family unit. The rates of people being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood are on the rise. But it's not that they are suddenly developing this disorder, for a number of reasons some people have gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, untreated, therefore under supported. Going into adult life not understanding how this neurodevelopmental disorder negatively impacts the ability to navigate things like decision making, schedules, and managing a household leads to an increased risk of difficulty adjusting to the demands and responsibilities of motherhood. By the end of today's episode you will better understand:

• Classic traits of ADHD
• Ways that ADHD can be disruptive to the motherhood experience
• How and when to seek professional help
• Non-pharmacological management options

One of the many things that has helped uplift me and support my long term mental wellness has been completing daily devotion through the YouVersion Bible app. I’d love to stay connected with you throughout the week by reading a Bible plan together. Click the Bible plan link below to join me in the 5 day plan "Stillness in the chaos". 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis you can call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988. 

For mother's who are pregnant, a new parent, or of childbearing age you can call or text the national maternal mental health hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harming yourself or others please call 9-1-1 to report a psychiatric emergency and request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer.

Dr. Gabor Mate himself was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Here is my Amazon Affiliate link to his book "Scattered Minds: The origins and healing of Attention Deficit Disorder"

https://amzn.to/4boXgHl

Maternal Mental Health Alliance article 

https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/news/adhd-perinatal-mental-health-breaking-silence-neurodivergent-mothers/

American Psychiatric Association "What is ADHD" 

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd

Psychology today blog "Time Blindness"

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Listening to this podcast does not replace being diagnosed and treated by a licensed medical professional  ☮️ 🫶🏽

Acknowledging that you need help is a great first step. For many, the next steps can feel unclear or accessing the right help can be challenging. By the end of this episode you will know more about: 

• When to seek professional support
• How to find a licensed therapist 
• When you need a psychiatrist 
• The benefits of support groups
• What you can do at home 
• How family/friends can actually help 

One of the many things that has helped uplift me and support my long term mental wellness has been completing daily devotion with the YouVersion Bible app. I’d love to stay connected with you throughout the week. If you’d like to join me in a motherhood focused Bible plan this week click the Bible plan link below. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis you can call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988. 

For mother's who are pregnant, a new parent, or of childbearing age you can call or text the national maternal mental health hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harming yourself or others please call 9-1-1 to report a psychiatric emergency and request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer.

Find a therapist or psychiatrist https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

Find a support group through NAMI https://www.nami.org/support-groups/

Find support groups and more around the Kansas City area https://kansascitymomcollective.com/building-village-finding-moms-group-kansas-city/

Self care journal with writing prompts (Amazon Affiliate Link) https://amzn.to/46KtMB0

“No more perfect moms” 7 day devotional https://bible.com/reading-plans/1538/together/79031567/invitation?token=gvSmT8sisDRTMKAihQetrQ&source=share

Thank you for listening. Please leave a review sharing at least one thing that resonated with you today, one thing you learned that will help you or someone you know 🦋 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Listening to this podcast does not replace being diagnosed and treated by a licensed medical professional  ☮️ 🫶🏽

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for listening. Please leave a review sharing at least one thing that resonated with you today, one thing you learned that will help you or someone you know 🦋 

Let’s stay connected: 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/18AsDcyjGj/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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Watch on YouTube https://youtube.com/@vanessa.monique?si=3CJI6gHTKhxtsp7F

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Listening to this podcast does not replace being diagnosed and treated by a licensed medical professional  ☮️ 🫶🏽

On today's episode we are laying the foundation for the podcast by first understanding the definition of mental illness and what illnesses/disorders fall under the umbrella of mental illness. Then we will explore how those show up during pregnancy, postpartum and throughout the motherhood journey. 

Find links to fact sheets and resources below. 

One of the many things that has helped uplift me and support my long term mental wellness has been completing daily devotion with the YouVersion Bible app. I’d love to stay connected with you throughout the week. If you’d like to join me in a motherhood focused Bible plan this week click the link below. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis you can call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988. 

For mother's who are pregnant, a new parent, or of childbearing age you can call or text the national maternal mental health hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harming yourself or others please call 9-1-1 to report a psychiatric emergency and request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer.

• National Association on Mental Illness https://namigreaterkc.org/resources/about-mental-illness/
• Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance fact sheets https://www.mmhla.org/fact-sheets
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
• Watch “Dark Side of the Full Moon” https://www.hoopladigital.com/movie/dark-side-of-the-full-moon-maureen-fura/11621461
• This weeks Bible plan https://bible.com/reading-plans/30572/together/78936146/invitation?token=EmS-jZgHEOQnN8qJ91495A&source=share

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Thank you for listening. Please leave a review sharing at least one thing that resonated with you today, one thing you learned that will help you or someone you know 🦋 

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Watch on YouTube https://youtube.com/@vanessa.monique?si=3CJI6gHTKhxtsp7F

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Listening to this podcast does not replace being diagnosed and treated by a licensed medical professional  ☮️ 🫶🏽

🦋 During pregnancy and postpartum mothers are at higher risk of developing new or worsening mood disorders. Motherhood is a beautiful, wonderful journey. But as beautiful as it is, it can feel challenging at times. In those moments mamas need to know when and how to access support. Whether that be additional support from a partner, friend, family member or professional help. 

Beyond those early stages, things like anxiety and depression can show up at any stage of motherhood. It’s important for anyone in a motj at support system to understand signs, symptoms and the best way to help. 

As a mother who has been there, and a Registered Nurse with over a decade of experience I am here to create a safe space for mothers to learn, be comfortable with vulnerability, and feel empowered to make informed decisions about their mental health and journey through motherhood. 

New episodes will air every Monday morning. Available here on YouTube, Apple Podcast and Spotify 🦋

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for listening. Please leave a review sharing at least one thing that resonated with you today, one thing you learned that will help you or someone you know 🦋 

Let’s stay connected: 

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Watch on YouTube https://youtube.com/@vanessa.monique?si=3CJI6gHTKhxtsp7F

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Listening to this podcast does not replace being diagnosed and treated by a licensed medical professional  ☮️ 🫶🏽