About

There are no two ways about it: Being a new parent is hard. And that is exacerbated if a new mom has pregnancy-related or postpartum depression and anxiety. Today we’re talking to a mom named Andrea who has suffered from anxiety since early childhood. Just about every parent has either gone through PPD or knows someone who has. We are going to delve into Andrea’s story in the hopes that it might help you relate it to your own experience or to that of a friend or relative. Some of the highlights of the show include: Andrea’s first experience with panic and anxiety and how she remembers it decades later. How and why Andrea hid her depression and anxiety, and why mental health screening forms weren’t helpful. How depression and anxiety affected Andrea during her pregnancy, including physical manifestations of anxiety. How an outpatient program for anxiety helped Andrea cope during the last month of her pregnancy. The importance of having a support system and how Andrea found a supportive friend through her program. How parenthood changes friendships. The quote that has become Andrea’s mantra: “It’s not forever; it’s just for right now.” Coping mechanisms and how Andrea manages her depression and anxiety. Andrea’s best advice on self-care for moms who are struggling with pregnancy-related or postpartum depression and anxiety.