Understanding Maternal Mental Health: Pregnancy & Postpartum

There are significant ways that pregnancy and birth can shake our mental health. What can cause postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis? Who can you turn to for help and support to pull you out of what can be an isolating experience? And what happens when the doctor's office itself causes even more anxiety?

Host Frantzces Lys first speaks with a doula and a reproductive psychiatrist on navigating mental health during pregnancy and how we can recognize the symptoms of postpartum disorders. Then Frantzces hears from a mom and patient advocate who navigated postpartum herself.

"Anxiety: Before, During, and After Pregnancy" - with Dr. Shari Lusskin

Dr. Shari Lusskin joins Dr. Nathan Fox to discuss anxiety before and during pregnancy. Dr. Lusskin explains that a possible pregnancy (planned or unplanned) is something she always considers when first treating women for anxiety since certain medications are not safe for pregnant women. Fortunately, most anxiety and depression medications are safe to take during pregnancy. Even still, having a detailed pregnancy and birth plan with your mental health provider and OB-GYN can be incredibly helpful for many women, especially those with diagnosed anxiety whose symptoms might worsen during pregnancy.

RadioShari LusskinAugust 14, 2023Podcast, Healthful Women, Pregnancy, Obstetrics, Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety

"Understanding Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders" - with Dr. Shari Lusskin

On this podcast episode, Dr. Shari Lusskin joins Dr. Nathan Fox to discuss common concerns about anxiety and when its considered "normal." Situational anxiety because of an upcoming test or stressful event is normal and not always a cause for concern but if the anxiety becomes chronic and affects how you function, it's a problem that should be addressed with your doctor. In can be difficult for people to figure out on their own because of the non-specific labels used for emotional disorders. Drs. Fox and Lusskin also discuss diagnosis for different disorders and treatment options like systematic desensitization to decrease feelings of anxiety when exposed to phobias or triggers.

© 2024 Shari I. Lusskin, M.D.

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