Crazy Normal

Fern's Story: A Partner in Postpartum Depression | Sarah Hemmert Jensen

After a LOOOONG but much needed Hiatus, Sarah is back to talk with Fernando about his experience with postpartum depression.

Fern not only shares his heartbreaking experience watching his now ex-wife struggle with perinatal mental illness and how that effected their relationship and lifestyle but also delves into the largely unspoken world of having postpartum depression AS THE PARTNER who did not give birth.  

He touches on big factors such as manhood, therapy, fatherhood, identity, being a supporter, and a good husband but also on particular experiences we don't often see spotlighted: that of being raised in a traditional Mexican household where "machismo" meant being a husband and father in a different way than he envisioned for himself. 

Don't miss this one!

Perinatal Depression: Criselle's Story | Sarah Hemmert Jensen

Criselle Mesa; artist, military wife, owner of "Criselle Belle Crochet and Knits" and mother of two boys, opens up about her experience with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation during her second pregnancy. She gets real, emotional and honest about the lows and then the moment she sought help and how everything changed and she found herself again. 

You can find her on instagram @crisellebelle
and her website is www.shopcrisellebelle.com

Wading Through the Grief of Infertility and Loss with Infertility Coach Jennifer Robertson | Sarah Hemmert Jensen

This episode is dedicated to at three separate couples in my family/friend group who have recently lost their babies or are thus far unable to get pregnant. I cannot imagine the pain from the loss of a child. The one thing I can do is bring this episode to light..

Fertility coach Jennifer Robertson (@msjenniferrobertson on instagram) from Australia talks with me about how to cope with infertility and loss all through the lens of her own journey and how she pushed through grief, fear, guilt and more to where she is today. We also discuss her Instagram page, her book, "The Injustice of Infertility" as well as do's and don'ts for the support team of someone who has suffered with infertility or loss.

If you are struggling with infertility, miscarriage, or loss of your child I am sending you light, love and warmth. I am so sorry for what you are going through. If you want to get Infertility coaching from Jennifer Robertson, her website is below.

Instagram: https: https://www.instagram.com/msjenniferrobertson/
Her Website: https://www.jenniferrobertson.co/fertility-coaching 

Talking Meds for Perinatal Mood Disorders with UCLA Psychiatrist Dr. Misty Richards | Sarah Hemmert Jensen

Trigger Warning: Suicidal Ideation is briefly mentioned in this episode.

For Women's History Month, Sarah welcomes Perinatal, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Misty Richards to answer questions about medication before, during and after pregnancy!

We dispel some myths about anti-depressants and anxiety medications including safety risks for mom and baby, breastfeeding, when to start or stop medication and how to reach out for help. Dr. Richards raises awareness about MEN and Partners suffering from postpartum depression. We also try to de-stigmatize the world of mental health help!

If you are considering medication for your mental health needs, you don't want to miss this episode as it will help you decide what path is available and best for YOU!

Misty Richards MD and MS is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She is also Program Director of the UCLA Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program.

RESOURCES:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1. Some books to help: 
   1. The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook by Pamela S. Wiegartz , Kevin L. Gyoerkoe , et al. https://www.amazon.com/Pregnancy-Postpartum-Anxiety-Workbook-Compulsions/dp/1572245891/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=postpartum+anxiety+workbook&qid=1615403917&s=books&sr=1-3
   2. Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman
   3. What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood  by Dr. Alexandra Sacks, Dr. Catherine Birndorf : https://www.amazon.com/What-One-Tells-You-Motherhood/dp/1501112562
2. Mental Health: 
   1. SAMHSA’s National Helpline 
      1. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
      2. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
   2. Postpartum Support International Website
      1. Help for mom, family and dad
      2. 1.800.944.4773
      3. Support groups
   3. NATIONAL CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis
   4. National Suicide Prevention Hotline and Website
      1. 1-800-273-8255

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Call for yourself or someone you care about; free and confidential; network of more than 140 crisis centers nationwide; available 24/7

When Will I Feel Like Myself Again? A guide to Perinatal Mood Disorders with Therapist Ronnie Vehemente | Sarah Hemmert Jensen

Trigger warning: this episode contains some content that may be triggering for some individuals including suicidal ideation and other scary (but mainly normal) symptoms and thoughts, including scary intrusive thoughts of people with Postpartum depression and other disorders. 

Sarah speaks with her therapist and licensed social worker Ronnie Vehemente about WHAT perinatal mood disorders are, WHO can get it, WHEN it can occur and HOW long. We also discuss COPING mechanisms and how to get help if you are struggling! We hope this episode makes those out there thinking they are insane that the thoughts and feelings you are having are NORMAL, you are not CRAZY!

This episode is a must hear for anyone who has suffered a pregnancy loss, infertility, is currently pregnant or has had children that are suffering in any way with mental health. This is also a must hear for partners of these individuals!

RESOURCES:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Ronnie Vehemente's Practice if you'd like her to be you therapist too!:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.familyroomla.com/

1. Some books to help: The Postpartum Anxiety Workbook, Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman, etc.
2. Some phone numbers: 
   1. SAMHSA’s National Helpline 
      1. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
      2. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
   2. Postpartum Support International Website
      1. Help for mom, family and dad
      2. 1.800.944.4773
      3. Support groups
   3. NATIONAL CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis
   4. National Suicide Prevention Hotline and Website
      1. 1-800-273-8255

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Call for yourself or someone you care about; free and confidential; network of more than 140 crisis centers nationwide; available 24/7