A Heart to Heart with Maria: Motherhood, Postpartum Depression, and the Journey of Self-Discovery

Content Warning: This podcast includes discussions of anxiety, depression, and mental health. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek immediate help by calling 1737 or your local emergency services. --------- EPISODE SUMMARY --------- Listen in as Maria shares her raw and emotional journey through anxiety and depression, starting from the overwhelming fear she felt within 24 hours of starting a new job, to her struggles with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter. Maria paints a vivid picture of her experiences with physical symptoms, her moments of emotional outburts, and her feelings of embarrassment and shame. She highlights the crucial role her strong support system and self-awareness played in acknowledging her mental health challenges and seeking help.  Our conversation also takes us through the path of healing and self-discovery Maria embarked on, focusing on how she transformed her lifestyle to prioritize her mental wellbeing. She also discusses the challenges she faces with her mental health due to external factors like the pandemic. Maria’s journey of vulnerability extends to her relationship with her children, openly talking to them about mental health and encouraging them to prioritise their wellbeing.  Finally, we navigate the impact of social media on mental health, discussing the influence of authenticity and vulnerability in our digital interactions. Maria shares her experience with starting Happy Mum, Happy Child, and how she used this platform to help people feel less alone. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that strength comes from within and the journey to mental health understanding is a courageous one. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - Maria's Journey With Mental Health (0:06:14) - Postpartum Depression and Seeking Help (0:18:27) - Coping With Anxiety and Depression (0:22:57) - Authenticity's Influence on Social Media (0:26:30) - Supporting Mental Health Struggles (0:32:02) - Mental Health Support and Understanding --------- RESOURCES--------- findahelpline.com Website:  https://www.happymumhappychild.co.nz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happymumhappychild