79. Unmasking the Hidden Struggles of Motherhood: Samantha Green, LMHC on Perinatal Mental Health

Samantha Green, a mother of two and Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in perinatal mental health, joins me to discuss the challenges and issues affecting women during pregnancy and postpartum. She shares her insights on maternal burnout, “mom rage,” postpartum depression, the impact of hormones on mood, and the difficulties faced by modern families in a politically polarized environment.

Samantha highlights the pressures that women face in today's society, particularly due to unrealistic expectations perpetuated by social media. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and the need for women to prioritize their own well-being, especially during the early weeks of motherhood. Samantha also addresses the dynamics between mothers and fathers, acknowledging the differences in parenting styles and the potential for resentment and communication challenges.

Our conversation delves into the hormonal shifts that occur during pregnancy, postpartum, and weaning. Samantha explains how these hormonal changes can affect a woman's mood and lead to symptoms such as intrusive thoughts and anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these shifts and seeking appropriate support and treatment when necessary.

Samantha explains how Polyvagal Theory helps in understanding the different states of the nervous system and how they relate to anxiety, depression, and stress. She provides practical strategies for managing these states and promoting overall well-being.

Throughout the episode, Samantha emphasizes the need for open communication, self-compassion, and seeking help when needed. She encourages women to let go of unrealistic expectations and prioritize their own mental and physical health. By addressing these issues and seeking support, women can navigate the challenges of motherhood and find balance in their lives.

Samantha Green is a wife, mother to two, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in in New York who specializes in Perinatal Mental Health. After working in a community clinic for several years and experiencing first hand how difficult it was to find resources for mothers she opened her own Private Practice and is currently working on a book to help mothers manage the stress, and decrease burnout. Find Samantha’s practice at https://www.samanthagreenlmhc.com/ or follow her on X @samgreenlmhc.

Books mentioned in this episode:
"The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation" by Stephen W. Porges
https://amzn.to/3PV5gEi

[00:01:39] Mom rage and maternal burnout.
[00:04:10] Shifting priorities after having kids.
[00:07:12] Men and women differences.
[00:11:39] Dad's experience with baby.
[00:13:26] Impact of birth control on the brain.
[00:18:43] Hormonal treatment alternatives.
[00:21:29] Mom rage and guilt.
[00:25:35] Intrusive thoughts and OCD.
[00:28:27] Intrusive thoughts and mindfulness.
[00:31:41] Mother-baby units for postpartum depression.
[00:34:35] The freeze state.
[00:37:09] Chronic stress and its effects.
[00:41:22] Early life experiences and coping mechanisms.
[00:45:08] Postpartum PTSD and trauma.
[00:48:09] Helping women through pregnancy
[00:52:35] Trauma resurfacing in motherhood.
[00:54:13] Complex family dynamics.
[00:58:09] Co-sleeping and its taboo.
[01:00:40] Balancing career and motherhood.

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