143. Busting Myths Around Treatment Options Before, During and After Pregnancy with Esther Rollhaus, MD
Esther Rollhaus, MD, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about all aspects of reproductive psychiatry, the reasons why someone would reach out, how meds are used as an adjunct to therapy, and myths about medication.
145. Exploring the Emotions of the Struggle to Have A Baby with Aliza Tropper, LMHC
Aliza Tropper, LMHC, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about the emotions that come up during the quest to build a family, the guilt, shame, sadness, anxiety, inadequacy, etc., and how they manifest, and suggestions on how to make these deep feelings more manageable, like self-soothing, mini-breaks, reaching out for support and even medication if things become too overwhelming.
People Can Be Struggling With Mental Health Even If…
You never have to do it alone ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Do I Need Therapy?
We are huge advocates of making sure everyone is mindful of their own mental health. We’ve spent a lot of time discussing many different aspects of this, touching on topics like support groups, medication, setting boundaries, toxic positivity, self care, etc.
Asking for Help is the Bravest Thing You Can Do
You never have to do it alone ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Mental Health While Trying to Conceive
Did you know that people suffering from infertility are dealing with depression, anxiety, and divorce much higher than the nation averages?
About Triggers
Like a slap in the face, these emotional triggers wake us up to reality and to the unhealed parts of ourselves which we have tried so hard to ignore.
Sharing Your Story
Some people are oversharers. They tell you every detail of their lives, to the point where it’s kinda embarrassing. Others are fiercely private, not sharing even commonplace thoughts and ideas.
Fear of Being Included
Whether you are pushing yourself to attend this something or whether you're staying in to avoid all the negative feelings that come when you do show up, we see you.
July 4th Reminder
Quick reminders for July 4th...(and every other day): You don’t have to go to the 4th of July parade or fireworks today if you’re not up for it. And reminder for those who are going.
You Do You
This is not about tackling that long forgotten home improvement project. This is not about finishing that manuscript for which you never seemed to have time.
You Can Survive
But, I’m here to tell you that you CAN survive. I don’t know how I did it, but I did. The pain and anxiety was crippling so many times. But I’m here.
Finding a Balance
And that’s exactly my message to all of you. I will keep sharing the hard, the pain, the horrible, the suffering and the awful. But I will also share the good.
Hurtful Comments
But when those comments come from someone you love, you trust, you deem as “safe,” it’s much harder to do the reframing. These are the people who know the depths of your pain.
No Right Way to Do This
Some people grieve for months or years over their 10 week miscarriage and find the whole process so traumatic that they will never try again. And some don’t.
Do I Need Therapy?
We’ve spent a lot of time discussing many different aspects of this, touching on topics like support groups, medication, setting boundaries, toxic positivity, self care, etc.
Toxic Positivity
No matter how many times you tell someone this, it’s just not the way to happiness. It’s the same as forcing the “good vibes only” or “just keep going” shtick. It doesn’t work.
Other’s Coping Mechanisms
We shouldn't judge people's responses to pain from what they are choosing to show to the world. But... (and here's the big "but" - you knew it was coming!)
Comparing Family Size
Hold your head high and don't do the comparisons. We broke free of the slavery thousands of years ago. There is no need to willingly put yourself back there.
Family Pack
With a child or without a child. With a small family or a large family. With a partner or without a partner. You are enough. ❤️