Deconstructing Stigma: A Root of Depression Is Trauma With Marlena DavisDeconstructing Stigma: A Root of Depression Is Trauma With Marlena Davis
Mental Health News Radio
Sometimes, there are just no words to express what you’re feeling. A year ago, Marlena stopped the antidepressant medication she had been taking for a dozen years. She had hoped to have a baby. But instead, she developed memories of childhood abuse....
44:28•13 Jul 2017
Healing Trauma Through Art: Marlena's Journey
Episode Overview
- Marlena Davis discusses her experiences with childhood trauma and depression.
- Art therapy aids in Marlena's emotional expression and healing process.
- Pregnancy hormones impact mental health, leading to careful medication planning.
- Deconstructing Stigma project provides a platform for mental health stories.
- Importance of support networks in managing mental health challenges.
“I don't see it as a life sentence of always being unhappy or carrying a shroud of dark clouds around me.”
In this enlightening episode of Mental Health News Radio, host Kristen Sonata-Walker sits down with Marlena Davis, a participant in the Deconstructing Stigma project through McLean Hospital. Marlena shares her deeply personal journey involving childhood trauma, depression, and the transformative power of art as a healing tool. Marlena recounts how she stopped taking antidepressant medication after twelve years, hoping to start a family.
Yet, instead of a child, she was met with resurfacing memories of childhood abuse that had been buried for more than 30 years. This revelation helped her understand the roots of her depression, irritability, and isolation. Marlena found solace and a voice through creative expressions such as photography, drawing, poetry, and painting, which she honed at PeaceLove Studios in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
The discussion touches on the importance of art therapy as a means of expressing emotions that are difficult to articulate. Marlena shares how engaging with art has allowed her to see herself and others beyond a one-dimensional perspective, finding deeper connections through storytelling and shared experiences. Pregnancy added another layer to Marlena's mental health journey. She describes how the pregnancy hormones exacerbated her depression and anxiety, leading to a breakdown that necessitated a return to medication.
Her doctor advised her to remain on medication throughout her pregnancy to mitigate the risk of postpartum depression, highlighting the delicate balance between mental health management and maternal care. Marlena's story is a testament to resilience and the importance of support networks. The Deconstructing Stigma initiative offers a platform for individuals to share their mental health struggles, fostering a community of understanding and acceptance.
The episode concludes with Marlena expressing excitement about her impending motherhood, choosing to embrace the challenges as a single mother by choice. She is set to welcome a baby boy, marking a new chapter in her life. Listeners are encouraged to explore the resources at peacelove.org and deconstructingstigma.org to learn more about the initiatives discussed in the episode.
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