Shenanigans Podcast on Maternal Mental Health

Introduction

• Host discusses her journey with postpartum OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder).
• Many reached out with similar experiences, but were unaware of postpartum OCD.
• Importance of women supporting each other.

Guest Speakers

• Nia Sanchez: Miss USA 2014, Miss Universe first runner-up, fifth-degree black belt.
  • Shared her postpartum journey on "The Valley."
• Dr. Jennifer Yip: Clinical psychologist, OCD, anxiety, and parenting expert.
  • Author of "Hello Baby, Goodbye Intrusive Thoughts."

Discussion on Maternal Mental Health

Postpartum OCD

• Many women misdiagnosed or unaware of postpartum OCD.
• Intrusive thoughts are common and distressing.
• Compulsions may arise to mitigate anxiety from intrusive thoughts.

Importance of Awareness and Support

• Highlighted need for increased awareness and support.
• Overlapping symptoms with postpartum depression and anxiety.
• Postpartum psychosis is different; involves detachment from reality.

Personal Experiences Shared

• Nia discusses emotional differences between her pregnancies.
• Importance of not judging oneself harshly during postpartum.

Mental Health Resources and Treatment

Therapy and Treatments

• Exposure Therapy: Confront fears in a controlled environment.
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT): Address flawed thinking patterns.
• Medication options exist but should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Coping Strategies

• Prioritize self-maintenance over "self-care."
• Establish boundaries to manage external and internal pressures.

Impact on Partners

• Men can also experience postpartum mental health issues.
• Importance of partner support and understanding.

Book Discussion

• Hello Baby, Goodbye Intrusive Thoughts
  • Offers strategies for dealing with postpartum OCD and anxiety.
  • Encourages women to share their invisible loads with partners.

Closing Thoughts

• The postpartum period is longer than medically defined.
• Encourages optimistic thinking to build resilience.
• Importance of therapy in managing and understanding mental health challenges.