Watch on YouTube:
A Mom's Journey Through Neurodivergence and Perinatal Mental Health
Many people don’t realize that a neurodivergent diagnosis in childhood can be a risk factor for perinatal mental health issues later in life. Join us for today’s conversation with Tiffany!
A Mom's Journey Through Neurodivergence and Perinatal Mental Health Show Highlights
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Tiffany’s story of childhood neurodivergence, intense medications, and ensuing panic attacks
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Her struggle to get off medications during her pregnancy and postpartum without the proper tools and coping skills
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Freedom comes when you fully embrace who you are and acknowledge the differences.
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Tiffany’s son’s neurodivergence, the loss of her father, and the difficult relationship with her mother
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Adjusting to intense feelings—without medications to lean on
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Tiffany’s second pregnancy—and the light switch moment that brought the first intrusive thought
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Grasping at straws, seeing a shaman, trying to cope with OCD, and having only her brother and a best friend for support
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The difficulties because of insomnia and paranoia
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Finding normalization through the support of a Facebook friend
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Internal suffering while covering it up externally
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The dilemma in trying to find a doctor who would do more than simply prescribe medications
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Tiffany’s path to become the helper and support that she needed
About Dr. Whitney Casares, MD
Tiffany Engen is a full-time mom of two young children, a survivor of multiple PMADs, a strong advocate for maternal mental health, a full-spectrum doula, a birth photographer, and a certified perinatal educator (PMH-C). Born and raised in California and currently residing in Arizona, Tiffany volunteers as a support coordinator and peer mentor with Postpartum Support International. She shares the difficulties around her childhood diagnosis, the incredibly negative impact of losing a parent during her first pregnancy, and her battle to overcome debilitating intrusive thoughts during her second pregnancy. Looking back on her journey, Tiffany recognizes how she was operating with insufficient support and community that could have made a difference for her.
Resources:
Connect with Tiffany Engen: Website and Instagram
Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/
Tools, Skills and Hacks for New Moms
Manage thoughts & feelings of overwhelm
Learn how breathing & grounding help reach calmness
Exercises to find peace
