In this episode I pause to reflect on what has emerged across this project — from interviews with clinicians and survivors, to my own ongoing recovery from postpartum psychosis.
Rather than introducing new research or new stories, this episode weaves together three perspectives:
- a look back at themes across conversations
- a look inward at how this work has shaped my understanding of my own experience
- and a look forward at partner perspectives and systems of care
We explore psychosis and meaning-making, why recovery often unfolds long after crisis care ends, and how uncertainty — even among experts — can be both grounding and humane. You'll hear reactions to my experience with psychosis from perinatal psychiatrist Dr. Catherine Birndorf, as well as survivor perspectives on spirituality from Dr. Rowena Winkler and Meghan Cliffel.
Citations:
- Hall, W., & Degenhardt, L. (2008, June 7). Cannabis use and the risk of developing a psychotic disorder. World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA).
- International Consortium of Women’s mental health experts present scientific evidence to support classification of postpartum psychosis as a distinct disease. Mount Sinai Health System. (2025, October 22).
- Kovess-Masfety , V. (2018, February 16). Psychotic experiences and religiosity: Data from the WHO World Mental Health Surveys. Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica.
- Mota-Rojas, D., Orihuela, A., Strappini, A., Villanueva-García, D., Napolitano, F., Mora-Medina, P., Barrios-García, H. B., Herrera, Y., Lavalle, E., & Martínez-Burnes, J. (2020, December 15). Consumption of maternal placenta in humans and nonhuman mammals: Beneficial and adverse effects. MDPI.
- Royal College of Psychiatrists. (2018). Postpartum psychosis for carers.
- Valdimarsdóttir, U., Hultman, C. M., Harlow, B., Cnattingius, S., & Sparén, P. (2009, February 10). Psychotic illness in first-time mothers with no previous psychiatric hospitalizations: A population-based study. PLOS Medicine.
- Westhead, M., & Georgiades, A. (2025, July 3). The role of spirituality and religiosity in the maintenance and recovery of psychosis: A systematic review. Early intervention in psychiatry.
