E8 Speaking Up about Post Partum Depression with Dr. Shoshana Bennett Ph.D, Clinical Psychologist

Special Episode: Meet The Experts Series. In episode 8, we meet Dr Shoshana Bennett Ph.D a Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in Post-Partum Depression and an expert on maternal mental health; she has authored several books including the Dummies Guide to Post Partum Depression amongst others. She talks with us about how to tell the difference between ordinary blues as a parent and PPD; and when it crosses the line. Dr Shosh talked about her stance on medication as well as her take on Covid and the post-pandemic societal mental health. She also reflected on her career and how her own struggle with PPD culminated in a career as a Psychologist having never considered this career path before. TRIGGER WARNING: She also shares with us her personal health journey with Cancer; we realise this was difficult to share and we thank Dr. Shosh for bravely sharing this, she mentioned that there is always something to learn out of these situations; however difficult and we thank her for this courage and wisdom. Here are some signs that your depression may have crossed over into PPD; if symptoms are beyond mild and 2 weeks after baby delivery; Anxiety, Anger/Short Temper, Insomnia, Doom & Gloom feelings, Hopelessness, inability to slow your mind, obsessive worry or rumination on what ifs/buts. Unable to be reassured or gain perspective that this won’t be forever. Feeling like the worst Mum in the world “anybody can do this better than I can”, taking things personally. **DISCLAIMER: These are some of the general signs of PPD - this isn’t a definitive list and you should not assume you have PPD from this; always seek the professional medical advice of your own GP or primary care doctor. **This is for educational purposes only. Special thanks to our guest Dr. Shosh for contributing to our platform. You can find further information about her work at drshosh.com please like, share, comment or subscribe across all our channels. Thanks again folks and I look forward to having you on episode 9.