Dr. Kat's Postpartum Story

Watch on YouTube:

I am sharing my postpartum story, in honor of Maternal Mental Health Month. Karen Kleiman is interviewing me, as the guest. Yes that’s right!

I last told my story way back in Episode 1 in June 2016. I want all of you who know me as Dr. Kat professionally to understand why I am so deeply passionate about the cause of maternal mental health. Join us now!

About Karen Kleiman

Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D. PMH-C, “Dr. Kat,” is a perinatal mental health-certified psychologist, author of The Pregnancy Workbook: Manage Anxiety and Worry with CBT and Mindfulness Techniques, and host of the Mom & Mind Podcast, covering personal stories and expert interviews related to perinatal mental health. She is also the board chair of Postpartum Support International, an organization whose mission is to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide. Dr. Kat began specializing in perinatal mental health after her own experience with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD over 12 years ago. Dr. Kat continues to work virtually with clients across California.

Show Highlights

How Dr. Kat’s first pregnancy, even though planned and easy, resulted in a long, difficult labor that jump-started postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD.
Why new moms struggle to know what’s normal, not normal, too much, or not enough.
How feeling inadequate and incompetent as a new mom was part of Dr. Kat’s anxiety and her battle with perfectionism.
How she felt alone and disconnected even from her husband, and NO ONE knew what was happening on the inside.
How scary intrusive thoughts put her in emotional turmoil.
Why shame and stigma are greater for mental health professionals–and will silence them at times.
How Dr. Kat carried on her therapy work with clients as the depression grew, making her feel trapped, exhausted, embarrassed, and confused.
How finally taking the PHQ-9 depression screening test for herself finally opened her eyes to the truth of what she was going through.
How she shut down even with her therapist and turned to a naturopathic physician, acupuncture, and other healing alternatives.
Why therapists MUST address the suffering client in front of them with curiosity and questions.
Why Dr. Kat is so deeply driven to help other moms break through and find the help and support to know that THEY WILL BE OK.