138: Confronting Postpartum Psychosis with Ayana Lage

  Trigger Warning: There are mentions of suicide and infant death in this episode.  Postpartum hormones are no joke, but sometimes the behavior a woman exhibits is due to much more than hormones. Our bodies and minds react to the magnificent and overwhelming process of growing and birthing life in many different ways, not all of them good. What happens when our minds start to crumble and we aren’t aware of it? Ayana Lage is a lifestyle blogger and freelance writer. She writes about motherhood, mental health, social justice, and everyday life. She was aware of her own struggles with mental health and had an entire support system around her during and after the birth of her daughter. Thank goodness, because just days after birth she found herself deep in the pit of psychosis. Listen as Ayana shares with us her experience with postpartum psychosis. She shares the signs and symptoms she experienced, what hospitalization was like, and how that experience has changed her life.   In this episode, we discuss:  What postpartum psychosis is and signs to watch out for Some of the most challenging moments she faced during this time How she and her family coped with her diagnosis Why awareness is so important Resources available to women and families who are experiencing postpartum psychosis Resources:  Asked by Ayana Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/asked-by-ayana/id1559669014 Ayana on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ayanagabriellelage/?hl=en Episode 9: Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum Depression, and Intrusive Thoughts with Dr. Catherine Schmidt - https://lynzyandco.com/episode-9-postpartum-anxiety-postpartum-depression-and-intrusive-thoughts-with-dr-catherine-schmidt/ Discount Codes from Our Sponsors:  Earth Breeze: Upgrade your laundry day. Try risk free and save 40% - earthbreeze.com/lynzy Every Plate: Get started for $1.49 per meal + $1 steaks for life by going to everyplate.com/podcast and entering code: 49Lynzy Questions: Could you please share your personal journey and experience with postpartum psychosis to help our listeners better understand what you went through? Can you describe some of the early signs or symptoms of postpartum psychosis that you noticed, and when did you realize that something was seriously wrong? Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe condition. What were some of the most challenging moments for you during this time? How did you and your family initially cope with postpartum psychosis, and what support systems did you have in place to help you through it? It's often said that awareness is key to early diagnosis and treatment. Can you tell us about your advocacy work in raising awareness about postpartum psychosis and its importance? Can you share some of the common misconceptions or stigmas associated with postpartum psychosis that you've encountered in your advocacy efforts? What resources or organizations have been particularly helpful in your journey toward recovery and advocating for women experiencing postpartum psychosis? For mothers or families who suspect postpartum psychosis, what steps would you recommend they take to seek help and support as soon as possible? In what ways can healthcare providers and medical professionals improve their recognition and response to postpartum psychosis, based on your personal experience? Ayana, your story is incredibly powerful. Could you share some advice for mothers and families who may be going through a similar experience or for those who want to support someone in this situation? How has your experience with postpartum psychosis affected your approach to motherhood, self-care, and mental health in general? What future initiatives or projects do you have in mind to continue advocating for women dealing with postpartum psychosis and mental health issues during motherhood? Where can my listeners connect with you or learn more about your advocacy efforts and your journey with postpartum psychosis? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices