Postpartum depression—and comedy. Do these really go together? You might be surprised that anyone can join the two, but my guest today has a passion for women who are suffering as she did, and she hopes to raise awareness and erase the stigma around postpartum depression (PPD). Because of what she has been through, she is committed to using her talents to help change the outcomes for others.
Angelina Spicer is a comedian, actress, social media influencer, wife, and mother. A cum laude graduate of Howard University, Angelina has smartly delved deep for comedy that’s authentic, transparent, and relatable. By using her social media platform, she became an outspoken advocate for maternal mental health after she was admitted to a psychiatric facility for treatment of PPD. It was then that her journey to remove the stigma of the shame and guilt associated with PPD began. She became the 2018 Spokeswoman for The Blue Dot Project, lobbied on Capitol Hill, helped pass three new pieces of legislation for new moms in California, and has been featured in USA Today and Essence magazine. She’s now channeling her efforts into making a documentary film about her experience with PPD.
Show Highlights:
- How Angelina became an “accidental activist”
- After her daughter’s birth, she felt “off” and disconnected from everything she loved, “blindsided by all the curveballs of motherhood”
- Her breaking point–8 months postpartum–when she was happy to have relief by being admitted to the hospital
- Why she wants to give other moms the help they need
- How she decided to do a documentary about her story once she became comfortable with sharing her truth
- Why transparency is the key to bringing humor to a heavy topic
- Angelina’s unique, humorous perspective to PPD and motherhood
- The transformative process after PPD and how “the path reveals itself”
- The more we open up about PPD, the more others will feel cool about sharing their struggles
- How we should focus on eliminating the social stigma of PPD so mothers will feel comfortable talking to their doctors
- How Angelina is “all in” with advocacy since she “came out of the PPD closet” on social media
- Angelina’s upcoming work in bringing more awareness to PPD
- The Kickstarter to help finish production on her documentary—and how you can help!
Resources:
Find out more about Angelina and her Kickstarter campaign: Angelina Spicer
