Ep 59: Perinatal Mental Health Is More Than Postpartum Depression w Ashley Hogan, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C

When we talk about postpartum mental health, postpartum depression is often the first, and sometimes only, thing that comes to mind. But perinatal mental health is so much bigger than depression. Today on Stop, Collaborate, and Listen, we’re joined by Ashley Hogan, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, for an honest and educational conversation about perinatal mental health, pregnancy anxiety, postpartum depression, intrusive thoughts, postpartum OCD, medication, and the transition to motherhood. Ashley helps us look beyond the most obvious signs of perinatal mental health struggles and talk about the experiences that can be easy to dismiss or hide, including anxiety, overwhelm, intrusive thoughts, perfectionism, and the pressure to appear like you're handling everything just fine. We also yap about the gaps in postpartum care, including the reality that support is often reduced to a single six-week checkup, and why ongoing mental health support matters throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Things We Yap About: What perinatal mental health actually encompasses Less obvious signs of perinatal mental health concerns The pressure new mothers feel to be “fine” The transition to motherhood and its impact on mental health Gaps in postpartum care and follow-up The difference between having an intrusive thought and acting on a thought How to have informed conversations about medication risks and benefits The importance of support systems and community Early intervention and recognizing when something feels off How partners, family members, and providers can offer support Resources for parents navigating perinatal mental health Resources & Mentions: Connect with Ashley: https://www.hermindpsychiatry.com/  Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/ Goodwill Nurse & Family Partnership: https://www.goodwillindy.org/health/ Rate & Review: If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review — it really helps us reach more folks! Connect With Us: JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER: https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/ IG: @stop.collaborateandlistenpod