Overcoming the Hurdles: Navigating Perinatal Mood Disorders

Overcoming the Hurdles: Navigating Perinatal Mood Disorders

In this insightful episode of the Addict II Athlete Podcast, Coach Blue Robinson welcomes Morgan Slade, a specialist in maternal mental health, to discuss the complex topic of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Morgan shares her personal journey, which includes her experiences with postpartum OCD, a condition that she developed amidst the challenges of motherhood and her husband's military career. Morgan explains that perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum depression and OCD, are influenced by more than just hormonal changes.

They can also stem from traumatic experiences and pre-existing mental health tendencies. Emphasizing the importance of compassionate support, Morgan advises caregivers and spouses to listen and validate the experiences of those suffering from these disorders rather than trying to 'fix' them. The conversation highlights the need for better education and specialized care. Morgan shares her efforts in developing educational resources and programs, particularly for OCD, which is often misdiagnosed.

Her work at Serenity, where she has launched an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for OCD and anxiety, aims to expand access to effective treatment. Listeners are encouraged to seek out resources and support, both for themselves and their loved ones, through platforms like SerenityRW and the Addict II Athlete community. The episode serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for better understanding and support for women facing perinatal mood challenges.