Understanding Postpartum Mental Health: Strategies for New Mothers
Episode Overview
Postpartum anxiety and depression insights shared by licensed clinical psychologists Discussion on distinguishing baby blues from more severe mood disorders Impact of social media on motherhood experiences and mental health awareness Treatment options including therapy, medication, and community resources Importance of relationship dynamics, couples counseling, and self-compassion
Social media has given women the opportunity to be brutally honest about the hardships of motherhood, dispelling the 'rainbows and butterflies' myth from previous generations.
Becoming a mother is a beautiful journey, but it can also be incredibly challenging, especially when it comes to mental health. In this episode of the Heal Your Roots Podcast, hosts Dr. Spencer Brown and Dr. Brianna Bliss, both licensed clinical psychologists with a focus on maternal mental health, tackle the pressing issues surrounding postpartum anxiety and depression.
They break down the differences between baby blues and more severe mood disorders, helping new mothers understand what they're experiencing and when to seek help. The conversation also explores how social media can both positively and negatively impact motherhood experiences, providing a modern context to age-old challenges. Dr. Brown and Dr. Bliss discuss the unique risk factors faced by women of color and how these can affect relationships and bonding with their babies.
They also dive into generational differences in dealing with postpartum depression and offer practical, compassionate advice on treatment options. One of the most valuable parts of this episode is the focus on self-compassion as a coping strategy, reminding new mothers that it's okay to ask for help and take time for themselves. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex world of maternal mental health, offering insights that are both deeply empathetic and highly informative.