Postpartum Psychosis: A Mother’s Story of Survival, Misdiagnosis, and Hope

What happens when a mother knows something is wrong, desperately seeks help, and is repeatedly told she’s fine? In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with Aaisha Alvi, author of A Mom Like That: A Memoir of Postpartum Psychosis, to talk about her experience with postpartum psychosis, the devastating impact of being dismissed by medical professionals, and the long road toward getting the care she needed. Aaisha shares what it was like to experience frightening changes in her thoughts and perceptions after childbirth, while struggling to understand what was happening to her. Even as she reached out for help, her symptoms were repeatedly misunderstood. It wasn’t until she connected with a perinatal psychiatrist that she received the specialized care and understanding she needed. Together, we explore the difference between intrusive thoughts and psychosis, the stigma surrounding maternal mental illness, and the harmful assumption that a mother experiencing a psychiatric crisis must be a danger to her child; or a bad mother. They also discuss how cultural expectations, shame, and fear can make it even harder for parents to speak openly about what they are experiencing. This conversation is a reminder that mothers experiencing serious mental health challenges deserve compassion, appropriate treatment, and the chance to be heard without judgment. By sharing her story, Ayesha hopes to help other parents recognize when something is wrong, seek support, and understand that a psychiatric crisis does not define who they are as a parent. Topics covered in this episode: The difference between intrusive thoughts and psychotic symptoms What can happen when healthcare providers dismiss or misunderstand a mother’s concerns The importance of specialized perinatal mental health care How stigma and the fear of being labeled a “bad mother” can prevent parents from seeking help The role that culture, religion, and family expectations can play in how mental illness is understood Why mothers experiencing psychiatric crises need support rather than shame How sharing personal stories can challenge misconceptions and create space for more compassionate care About the guest: Aaisha Alvi is the author of A Mom Like That: A Memoir of Postpartum Psychosis. Through her personal story and advocacy, she works to bring greater awareness to postpartum psychosis and challenge the stigma surrounding maternal mental health. Connect with me: Want to learn more? You can find me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and check out my new book Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be