40 + 41. The Slip: Patricia's Battle with Postpartum Psychosis
Patricia Tomasi's postpartum story is a beacon of strength, resilience, and unwavering determination in a world that often shies away from the realities of maternal mental health.
The episode doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of postpartum psychosis, shedding light on its rarity but severity, affecting one to two in a thousand new mothers. Patricia's own survival story intertwines with the tragic case of Flora Babakhani, serving as a somber reminder of the stakes involved in perinatal mental health.
Patricia's narrative unfolds rawly, drawing us into the depths of her postpartum experience that she calls "the slip".
From the tumultuous chaos of misdiagnosed panic attacks to the profound transformation that advocacy brought to her life, she peels back the layers of her story, and we witness the complexities of postpartum psychosis—the misconceptions and the sheer tenacity required to navigate through the darkest corridors of the mind.
Yet, amidst the darkness, there's a glimmer of hope—a testament to the transformative power of awareness and support. Patricia's proactive approach during her second pregnancy paints a picture of resilience and recovery, showcasing the profound impact of preparation and community in shaping a positive postpartum experience.
Her journey through postpartum psychosis is not just a narrative of personal struggle; it's a rallying cry for a fundamental shift in the way we approach perinatal mental health. It serves as a call, urging everyone to get support!
In the end, Patricia's voice echoes with hope—a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is light to be found. Her journey through postpartum psychosis serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering power of advocacy in the realm of perinatal mental health.
41. Breaking the Silence: Patricia's Battle with Postpartum Psychosis (Part 2)
When the joy of welcoming a new life is overshadowed by the silent battles of postpartum depression, the stories that emerge can be as heart-wrenching as they are crucial to share.
We previously left you on a cliffhanger. Now, here is part two of Patricia Tomasi's story. She shared her harrowing experience with postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and the chilling touch of psychosis, shedding light on the struggles that many new mothers face in silence.
Her candid recount speaks to the soul:
Highlighting the often dismissive responses from healthcare professionals
The arduous journey towards finding the right treatment
It emphasizes why immediate and accurate care is not just necessary but life-saving.
We honour initiatives like Flora's Walk, which celebrates these stories while raising funds to enhance perinatal mental health programs and services.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that is both a call to action and a profound reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and shared perinatal experiences.
Mentionable’s
Patricia Tomasi is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative. She is a mom of two who struggled to find help for perinatal mental illness. In 2017, Patricia started the Facebook Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Support Group providing 24/7 support to thousands of women around the world. Shortly after, she co-founded the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative. In 2021, Patricia created and edited Canada’s first comprehensive perinatal mental health anthology titled, You Are Not Alone, a collection of 49 true stories from moms across the 49th parallel chronicling the diverse mental health challenges parents experience as they embark on the stages of conception through parenthood. The book also contains vital info on perinatal mental health from experts across North America. Prior to her advocacy work, Patricia spent a decade providing communications and media relations expertise for the Ontario government and as a journalist for HuffPost, CTV and CBC news in Vancouver, Toronto, Timmins, and Thunder Bay.
Patricia is now a fierce advocate who went from writing about the state of perinatal mental health in Canada to advocating for a national perinatal mental health strategy. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
