The Slip: Patricia's Battle with Postpartum Psychosis (Part 1)

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Patricia Tomasi's voice resonates with a vulnerability that could only come from someone who has stared down the darkest corridors of postpartum mental health.

Her harrowing encounter with postpartum psychosis isn't just a personal battle—it's become a call for change in the way we support new mothers living with mental health. The April 2024 edition of @torontolife magazine features her personal story & how Flora’s Walk is uniting advocates across Canada, raising much needed awareness for perinatal mental health.

As she shares her story, from misdiagnosed perinatal mental health to the power of advocacy, it's a continuous fight to fill the critical gaps in the Canadian healthcare system, particularly when it comes to perinatal mental health.

Through the gripping narratives and heartfelt conversations in our episode, we underscore the urgency of recognizing and acting on the warning signs and the importance of prevention for expecting and new mothers.

"Symptoms of postpartum psychosis can include disorganized thinking, confusion, paranoia, delusions and hallucinations. While there’s still no clear idea of what causes it, researchers have found a link between the change in hormones during pregnancy and childbirth to be a factor, as well as weaning from breastfeeding and the resumption of monthly periods. Women with birth trauma and a history of mental illness (especially bipolar disorder) are also at a higher risk. Although rare at a rate of 1 to 2 people in 1,000, postpartum psychosis is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment." - maternal_mental_health_matters

By sharing these stories, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding perinatal mental health and offer solidarity and hope to those who may be navigating these turbulent waters themselves.

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Meet Kayla Huszar, the Host of the Chill Like a Mother Podcast

Kayla Huszar is a Registered Social Worker and Expressive Arts Therapist who helps mothers reconnect with their authentic selves through embodied art-making. She encourages moms to embrace the messy, beautiful realities of their unique motherhood journeys. Whether through the podcast, 1:1 sessions or her signature Motherload Membership, Kayla creates a brave space for mothers to explore their identities beyond parenting, reconnect with their intuition, and find creative outlets for emotional expression and self-discovery.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your day—kids running amok and all! If this episode helped you feel a little more chill, please leave a rating or review. Your feedback helps the podcast reach more moms who need to hear it.