379: Understanding Postpartum Depression with Dr. Ewurama Sackey and Dr. Rachel Dalthorp

This episode offers multiple perspectives from two expert guests on the subject of postpartum depression. You’ll learn how to recognize the early signs and symptoms, how to understand maternal mental health disparities, and how untreated postpartum depression can have long-term generational consequences. Join us! Dr. Rachel Dalthorp is a psychiatrist and the Executive Medical Director for LifeStance Health. Since 2014, she has focused on caring for women with hormone-related mood and anxiety disorders across the reproductive lifespan, with perinatal psychiatry comprising a large part of her work. In 2018, she worked with like-minded colleagues across the country to create a non-profit organization called ISRP to support advocacy, education, and collaboration in the field. She takes advantage of every opportunity to advocate for access to women-specific mental healthcare.  Born and raised in Toronto, Dr. Ewurana Sackey attended the University of Pennsylvania. After teaching high school in New Orleans and St. Louis, she returned to the University of Pennsylvania for medical school and general adult psychiatry residency. She completed her child and adolescent fellowship program at UCLA. Her clinical interests include reproductive psychiatry, perinatal psychiatry, maternal-infant mental health, and child/adolescent psychiatry. She has received numerous prestigious awards and completed courses in psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and perinatal loss with Postpartum Support International.  Show Highlights: The paths into the specialty of perinatal and reproductive psychiatry for Dr. Sackey and Dr. Dalthorp The stigma women face—and how to decrease it with increased awareness Early signs of a perinatal mental health disorder Myths to dispel about postpartum depression Disparities among women of color with perinatal mental health issues (Medical racism is a real thing!) The importance of communities and safe spaces for moms Information, education, and PMAD screenings The basics of a treatment plan “Baby blues,” depression, or severe PPD—how do you know? A doctor’s perspective on prescribing medication for PPD Generational impacts on kids and families when moms are untreated for PPD Common comorbidities with PPD The good news about PPD today Key takeaways from Dr. Sackey and Dr. Dalthorp Resources: Connect with Dr. Rachel Dalthorp: Website and LinkedIn Connect with Dr. Ewurana Sackey: Website, Facebook, Instagram, and X Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!