48 | The Motherwhelm with Julia | Postpartum Psychosis, Insomnia & Recovery

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Julia, a mum of two, to talk about postpartum psychosis, postnatal depression, insomnia, and the long journey back to herself after becoming a mother.Julia shares how motherhood challenged the highly organised, perfection-driven identity she had built before having children. She speaks candidly about the shock of early motherhood, the relentless pressure to "get it right," and the devastating experience of postpartum psychosis and postnatal depression that followed.Together, we explore the role of insomnia in Julia's illness, the impact of severe perinatal mental illness on relationships and identity, and the courage it took to accept help and begin rebuilding her life. Her story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't about returning to who you were before—it's about discovering who you are becoming.This is a conversation about surrendering perfectionism, healing after profound illness, and finding joy in the ordinary moments of motherhood once again.If you or someone you love has experienced postpartum psychosis, postnatal depression, postpartum insomnia, or severe perinatal mental illness, I hope Julia's story offers reassurance that recovery is possible and that no one should have to face these experiences alone.Topics discussed: postpartum psychosis, postnatal depression, postpartum depression, postpartum insomnia, perinatal mental illness, perfectionism, identity shift, recovery, motherhood, maternal mental health.