logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
39m 53s

398: Behind the Sessions: Centering Your...

Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C
About this episode

Today’s session is about what’s happening in the world and the impact on moms and families. Current politics in the US are absolutely affecting our stress levels. People are expressing concerns and fears in therapy sessions as huge changes are happening, and these changes are directly affecting how they show up in the world and in their families. Daily attacks are taking place on programs that influence education, healthcare, DEI, and the economy of daily living expenses. If you’ve been feeling anxious and overwhelmed as a mother navigating these trying times, you are not alone. Let’s explore why politics feel personal, along with practical ways to manage the stress while staying engaged with your loved ones. 

Show Highlights:

  • The chaos hits close to home in our lives and families.
  • Personal rights around parenthood are on the line!
  • Other concerning issues include benefits that might be taken away.
  • Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness absolutely affect our mental and physical health, especially for those with higher sensitivities.
  • The importance of figuring out how to take care of yourself, while engaging and disengaging as needed
  • Dr. Kat’s best tips for managing stress and setting boundaries:
  • Try to stop “doom-scrolling.” Set parameters to limit your exposure.
  • Curate your news intake.
  • Protect your energies.
  • Explore small but meaningful actions you can take.
  • Be intentional about protecting your mental health.
  • Find ways to feel connection and empowerment with like-minded people. 
  • Give yourself permission to disconnect, as needed. 
  • How to check in with yourself, regulate, and refocus


Resources:

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.  

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Today
428: Behind the Sessions: The Weight of the Mental Load
The end of the school year and the transition to summer bring different types of mental load for parents. There is a shift in schedule, priorities, and what you’re thinking about each day, and there can be more to manage, especially for the default parent who usually takes care o ... Show More
36m 31s
Jul 7
427: Breaking Down the Supermom Fallacy with Stacy McCann, LCSW
Have you felt the pressure to be a “supermom”? We are examining the supermom fallacy, which often accompanies thoughts like, “I’m a failure, I can’t keep up with this, and I’m a bad mom.” The problem with trying to be a supermom is the impact on mental health. This theme commonly ... Show More
45m 54s
Jun 29
426: Healing Journey After Postpartum Psychosis, with Nancy Di Nuzzo
Today’s guest shares her story of postpartum psychosis, including the contributing factors, navigating the healthcare system, the overall lack of understanding of PMADs, and the preventative actions she took for her second pregnancy. She shares how her experience propelled her to ... Show More
49m 46s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
Courageous Conversations Around Suicide
Many of us avoid talking about suicide, not only because it’s a difficult conversation, but also because we don’t know how to. And avoiding that conversation can be a barrier to helping those most at risk. One family from Colorado is at the forefront of changing the stigma and cr ... Show More
33m 48s
Sep 2024
Witnessing a Shotgun Suicide
In this emotional and deeply personal story, Ally recounts the heartbreaking moment she witnessed her close friend take his own life. Through her perspective, we explore the pain, confusion, and trauma that comes with such a devastating experience. This video is a reflection on m ... Show More
1h 50m
Apr 14
Husbands Psychosis Led to Suicide
#podcast #widow #mentalhealth #mentalillness #psychosis #marriage #loss At just 30 years old, Frances never imagined she would be a widow. This is the story of her husband, the love of her life, who tragically lost his battle with mental illness after experiencing a sudden and de ... Show More
2h 14m
Sep 2024
2 | Nicole's Story ft. Nicole Van Dorn
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Speak to someone 24/7 at Aspire Counseling Services: https://aspirecounselingservice.com/shattered-silence-podcast/Nicole Van Dorn's story is a powerful, emotional journey from the unimaginable pain of lo ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 2022
That Newborn Life
CW: Suicide, DepressionThis episode of The Mama's Den deals with postpartum depression and suicide. If these are triggers for you, we encourage you to go back and listen to one of your favorite episodes. If you are struggling with postpartum depression, there is help.  Call the P ... Show More
37m 14s
Aug 2019
33 I'm a New Bitch (Syd Wilder)
Trigger Warning: rape, suicide and abuse. We want you to enjoy our content, but please make sure to take care of yourself; some of the following material can be sensitive to some listeners. We talk to Syd Wilder, comedian, insta-model and host of the “Girl Instarupted” podcast. W ... Show More
1h 2m
Jan 2020
Episode 2 - Guest Paul McGregor on shifting the stigma around Mental Health & Grief
In this episode Alice is joined by Paul McGregor who is a Mental Health Speaker, Advocate & Author - he talks with Alice in this interview about Mental Health and the stigma around it, grief, the struggles with both, as well as his own journey with spirituality following the loss ... Show More
41m 26s
Jun 2024
Shame & Silence in Mental Health, Why You’re Not Defined By Your Mental Health & Opening Healthy Family Discussions ft. Emily Unity | Ep. 77
Send us a Text Message.In this episode of the Level: Asian podcast, we’re joined by Mental Health Advocate, Emily Unity! Emily shares her powerful story navigating childhood trauma and mental health challenges to become a voice for change. She opens up about how her diagnosis all ... Show More
1h 3m
Aug 2024
Mental Health During Pregnancy with Anna Mathur
Today’s guest is a highly regarded psychotherapist, author, and speaker known for her work in the field of mental health, particularly focusing on issues related to motherhood. With a background in psychotherapy and a passion for helping others, world renowned Anna Mathur has bec ... Show More
50m 29s