S3:Ep13 Perinatal Mental Health Expert Diana Barnes on Justice, Advocacy & Healing

Mother Love

After struggling with severe Postpartum Depression following the birth of her daughter, Diana sought medical treatment but because this was in the early 90's, no one really knew what to do. Three long years later, she was given an accurate diagnosis, began the road to recovery, and has dedicated her career to helping women navigate similar terrain. She's been in the field of Women's Reproductive Mental Health for almost 30 years. Diana has had many roles- she is the former President of Postpartum Support International, has a private practice assessing, diagnosing and treating women around the childbearing years and, for 20 years has served as an internationally esteemed forensic expert witness in the criminal justice system. She's a triple threat when it comes to perinatal mental health: an expert in the field, an empathetic PMAD survivor who believes in the power of story, and a fierce advocate for justice and stigma reduction when it comes to perinatal mental illness . Oh, and she's a new grandma to twins! Hearing her talk about the healing, redemption and joy that's come along with grandma-hood is a treat.
*Note: we do discuss some of Diana's cases in detail and some of the stories are difficult to hear. When untreated, PMAD's can have devastating consequences but talking about these things can help reduce stigma and raise awareness which is so important.
Show Notes:
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Research Articles regarding Postpartum Psychosis Addition to DSM.

For statewide resources please visit the Linking Infants and Families to Supports at
https://hmhb-lifts.org/