Nobody warns you how lonely postpartum can be, or how much shame keeps mothers from saying that out loud. In the final episode of our three-part series on postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, Nina and Kate close out their conversation on the Lindsay Clancy case by turning to motherhood itself: why moms downplay how hard this job is, how that silence feeds loneliness and postpartum depression, and what actually helps — honest conversation with other mothers and less stigma around asking for support. If you've ever felt alone in early motherhood, wondered whether what you're feeling is normal, or you're supporting a mom who's struggling, this one's for you. 

Catch up on Parts 1 and 2 wherever you're listening, and follow Nearly Normal so you don't miss what's next. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression or psychosis, Postpartum Support International's helpline is 1-800-944-4773. 

Part 2 of our postpartum series picks up where Part 1 left off. We go deeper on what postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are, how psychosis specifically presents, and why it's so often missed by the people closest to a new mother. Then we talk about the harder part: what real treatment and support look like, and what's still missing from the way this country cares for mothers after birth. 

We're approaching this with the respect it deserves, because behind every headline is a family. 

If you need help now: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, available 24/7 National Maternal Mental Health Hotline — call or text 1-833-852-6262, free and confidential, 24/7 Postpartum Support International HelpLine — call or text 1-800-944-4773, daily 8am–11pm ET 

Postpartum depression and psychosis are treatable. Getting help early changes outcomes. 

Content note: this episode discusses child loss, suicidal ideation, and psychosis. If you're not in a place to hear that today, that's okay — skip this one. 

Everyone is talking about the Lindsay Clancy case. Search interest is up, group chats are full of it, and most people can't quite explain why they can't stop reading about it. In this episode, Nina and Kate — two licensed therapists — look at why this case has gripped mothers, women, and men who aren't even parents. 

Whether you're a mother, you love one, or you just want to understand what's dominating your feed right now, this episode gives you the clinical facts underneath the headlines. 

If anything in this episode feels close to home: Postpartum Support International HelpLine, 1-800-944-4773. Maternal Mental Health Hotline, call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988. For a mental health emergency, go to your nearest ER or call 911. 

Why does asking for help feel harder than doing everything alone? This episode breaks down the tug-of-war between independence and connection — and how letting people support you isn't a failure, it's a skill. 

We're taught that independence means doing it all yourself. But real strength isn't going it alone — it's knowing when to lean on someone else. 

In this episode, we dig into why asking for help feels so uncomfortable, even when we know we need it. We talk about where that resistance comes from, what it costs us when we refuse support, and how to rebuild trust in other people without losing your sense of self. If you've ever said "I'm fine" when you weren't, this one's for you. 

Nervous system activation feels dramatic because it's designed to be. This episode breaks down what actually triggers your nervous system, how it responds when it's activated, and what to do about it in real time.

We cover:

What activates the nervous system — the everyday triggers most people miss, from low-grade stress to full fight-or-flight moments. How the nervous system actually reacts — the biology behind fight, flight, freeze, and fawn, and why your body reacts before your brain catches up. How to cope and de-escalate — practical, in-the-moment tools for regulating an activated nervous system, so you can respond instead of react.

If you've ever felt like your body overreacts to things that shouldn't be a big deal, this episode explains why — and gives you a way back to calm.

Nearly Normal Podcast covers mental health and wellness with real talk, not jargon. New episodes weekly.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean so you don't miss what's next.

Adulting feels harder than it used to, and it's not in your head. This episode breaks down decision fatigue — the mental exhaustion that comes from making hundreds of choices a day — and why it's driving so much of the anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout adults feel right now. We talk about the invisible mental load of modern life, why nobody prepared us for this many decisions, and practical ways to protect your mental health when everything feels like too much. If you've ever ended the day drained without knowing why, or feel like basic adulting shouldn't be this exhausting, this one's for you. 

Struggling to make a decision without spiraling into self-doubt? In this episode of Nearly Normal, we break down why overthinking hijacks your decision-making and how to rebuild trust in your own judgment.

You'll learn:

This episode is for anyone stuck in analysis paralysis, tired of asking everyone else what they think, or ready to stop outsourcing their confidence. If you're working on personal growth, self-improvement, or just want to feel more sure of yourself, this one's for you.

Why do so many men avoid therapy—and how can we change that? In this episode of The Nearly Normal Podcast, we dive deep into the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, emotional vulnerability, and help-seeking behavior. From societal pressure to "man up" to the silent battles men fight daily, we explore why mental health care for men often goes unspoken—and what we can do to support the men in our lives.

Join us as we unpack practical tips for improving communication with male partners, friends, and family members, and share insight on how to encourage men to seek mental health support without shame.

Whether you’re a man struggling in silence or someone who loves one—this conversation is for you.

We've turned diagnosis into identity. This episode breaks down the rise of self-diagnosis culture: why a TikTok video or an AI chatbot now feels more trustworthy than a therapist, why we're so quick to slap a label on every hard feeling, and why most of what we're calling a "disorder" is actually just a normal human reaction to a hard life event. We talk about the psychology behind why a diagnosis feels like relief, how social media and AI are shaping the way we see our own minds, and how to tell the difference between a real mental health condition and being a person going through something difficult. If you've ever self-diagnosed off a TikTok video or asked ChatGPT what's "wrong" with you, this one's for you. 

Stuck in the same dating cycle no matter who you're with? This episode breaks down what it really means to go relationship sober — using a dating break not as avoidance, but as the work. Kate and Nina, with over 20 years of combined clinical experience, unpack the validation loops and trauma responses driving your dating patterns, the difference between a healthy break and hiding, and why choosing yourself first changes who you eventually choose. You'll learn how dating burnout shows up in your nervous system, how to find calm outside the chaos of modern dating, and why reconnecting with friends and family is just as much a part of healing as any future relationship. If you've ever wondered whether you need a dating detox, this is your sign. Subscribe for weekly mental health insights and visit nearlynormalpodcast.com.