where stories are held

I thank every one of these mums from the bottom of my heart for sharing the stories of motherhood we often keep to ourselves.

— Rebecca

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postpartum psychosis, hypomania, psychiatry, medication Rebecca McMartin postpartum psychosis, hypomania, psychiatry, medication Rebecca McMartin

36 | Ariane

For over a year, Ariane hid the true severity of her symptoms and tried so hard to portray a choreographed image of the good, responsive mother who kept it all together. Motherhood was the performance of her life… until it wasn't.

The stage makeup and sparkles fell away when her symptoms escalated and she had to be admitted to a general psychiatric hospital. Ariane had to finally step out of the spotlight and allow her psychiatrist to take the lead, but this is when she was able to recover.

In this episode we discuss all the facets of Ariane’s recovery: medication, diagnosis, psychodynamic therapy with her psychiatrist, a hospital admission, art therapy, dancing, embracing the mundanity of recovery, and finding purpose through writing, advocating via the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE), teaching ballet, and publishing her new novel, Because I’m Not Myself, You See.

Part story, part book review, part in-depth discussion about the current state of perinatal mental health and advocacy, and part amused ramblings from two MBU graduates, this is part two of Ariane’s story. Buckle up, it’s going to be quite the ride.

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Thank you for trusting me with your stories, it’s an honour I don’t take lightly.

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kind words.

  • "She is a wonderful storyteller and her personal perinatal story is one to be told. So much love and respect, Rebecca. Can't wait for the rest of your episodes"

    Kathryn
    (via Instagram)

  • "Can't recommend enough! This is one of the most important podcasts to be released this year. It is absolutely crucial for the topics of mental health throughout pregnancy, birth, postpartum (and beyond) to be destigmatised and brought into the spotlight and Rebecca has done this stunningly. She speaks so vulnerably and openly and not only is it heartbreaking but it's also in many places painfully relatable. Thank you for such a wonderful podcast!"

    tattooloo
    (Apple Podcast Review)

  • "This podcast will change lives - I'm sure of it"

    Jade
    (via Instagram)

  • "Great podcast for a great cause! Love everything about this podcast. It’s shedding light surrounding the very well hidden but alarmingly high statistics of mental health around pregnancy, birth and post partum… These stories definitely help in making you feel like you’re not alone. Thank you!"

    theawesomeabsol
    (Apple Podcast Review)

  • "The most important podcast any mumma will listen to! I can’t even put into words how life changing this podcast is and there are only 3 episodes so far!... This podcast is a monumental leap forward in breaking the stigma surrounding PNDA and helping all mums realise there is most definitely help available and you deserve that help!"

    JessieF0895
    (Apple Podcast Review)

  • "This podcast reminds me I’m not alone! Rebecca is amazing and I am so grateful for her podcast. She reminds me that I’m not alone in my perinatal/postpartum mental health struggles. She reminds me that I don’t need to feel ashamed for having these struggles... Thank you to all of those who are bravely sharing their stories on this podcast to help us all remember- we are not broken, we are not alone, we deserve support, and we matter."

    ACSH21
    (Apple Podcast Review)