Mom Breaks: Science and Stories of Postpartum Psychosis

What happens when motherhood collides with a mental health crisis that even doctors struggle to recognize? Postpartum psychosis is a mental health condition that is said to affect about 1–2 in every 1,000 births. This is less common than other mental health conditions - though with 130–140 million births worldwide each year, we’re talking about 130,000–364,000 new cases annually. Across years, as many as 4 million survivors of postpartum psychosis may be living today - yet too often, our stories go unheard.

 

We're creating space to hear those stories.

 

In this podcast, we explore postpartum psychosis in all its complexity - our researched understanding as well as human experiences. We'll weave perspectives into an honest, compassionate conversation - making space for both the heaviness and the hope. We bring together:

  • Survivors who’ve lived through the storm
  • Researchers uncovering what we know (and what we still don’t)
  • Clinicians on the frontlines of care
  • Partners and loved ones who witnessed the unthinkable

 

Here, we normalize Mom Breaks - both the psychotic kind no one asks for, and the everyday kind every mom needs. A delusion I had during my psychosis was that I could reach an altered state where I wouldn’t have to care for myself at all, and could endlessly serve others. The truth - the cure, in many ways - is the opposite. We all need breaks. The small, regular pauses we build into our days and family routines are just as relevant as the bigger, harder interruptions that force us to stop. Mom Breaks remind us that caring for ourselves is not selfish—it’s what allows us to thrive and care for the people we love.

 

We’re here to shine light, offer understanding, and remind each other that nobody has to walk this path alone. If you’ve lived it, love someone who has, or simply believe these stories need to be heard - welcome. You belong here.

 

Are you a survivor, partner, provider, or professional with postpartum psychosis experience? Fill out our interest survey here!

Episodes

Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or Youtube.

 

 


Podcast Mission

Mom Breaks  exists to support families affected by postpartum psychosis by sharing both the lived experiences and the latest research on the condition—sparking education, empathy, and empowerment in the recovery journey.

 

Through conversations with survivors, researchers, clinicians, and partners, we explore:

  • What do we know (and not know) about postpartum psychosis?
  • Why does it happen, including for women with no prior mental illness?
  • What helps people recover, rebuild, and process? What gets in the way?

 

This is an independent, self-funded project dedicated to raising awareness and fostering understanding. Listen in and share your ideas or feedback at mombreakspodcast@gmail.com.


Resources for Postpartum Psychosis

IMMEDIATE HELP & CRISIS LINES

If you or someone you know may be experiencing postpartum psychosis or any mental health crisis, please seek help immediately. No matter where you are in the world, you can use Find A Helpline for free support anywhere, anytime. 

 

If you are in the United States or Canada, these are a few helplines you can use:

 

If you are in the UK, these are a few helplines you can use:

  • Mind's perinatal support line on 0300 102 1234
  • Text SHOUT to 85258
  • National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight daily)

 

If you are in the Netherlands, here are a few resources to consider: 

  • Call 112 or a suicide prevention line (0800-0113)
  • Call the crisis hotline (088 0767 000) 

 

If you are in Australia, here are a few resources to consider: 

  • Call Triple Zero (000) or go to a local emergency department
  • Call Lifeline 13 11 14 for 24-hour access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services
  • Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) - Direct emotional support for parents with a free perinatal mental health hotline at 1300 726 306
  • Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) - Perinatal mental health information and tools for after acute crisis

 

For partners or family members - with help, your loved one is going to be okay. This is a highly treatable condition. After seeking emergency services, consider advocating for perinatal psychiatric units if they are in your area. 

UNDERSTANDING POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS

The Postpartum Psychosis Fact Sheet from the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance contains a great overview of facts, symptoms, and resources for postpartum psychosis. The PDF was published in 2022 and spotlights how a woman is 23 times more likely to experience psychosis in the month after childbirth than at any other point in her life, and how half of those who experience postpartum psychosis have no history of mental illness. It outlines core symptoms of postpartum psychosis including:

  • Delusions or strange beliefs
  • Hallucinations where you see, hear, smell, or touch things that others don't
  • Irritability, paranoia, and mood swings
  • Hyperactivity and unusual behavior
  • Sleep problems
  • Thoughts of death, or death-related delusions

 

Postpartum Support International (PSI) has robust resources for families navigating mental health struggles. They are a US-based non profit with global membership. They have many resources, support groups, and a peer mentor program. Their postpartum psychosis page has additional psychosis related information and resources as well. 

 

Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) is a UK-based charity that supports families impacted by postpartum psychosis. They have great programming and events in the UK, as well as resources to educate families impacted by postpartum psychosis.

 

If you'd like to learn from and connect with other survivors, consider a PSI support group, PSI Peer Mentor program, the Postpartum Psychosis Forum on Facebook, or watching this Video Journal of Survivor Stories. Also tune in to this podcast and consider subscribing on whatever platform you prefer.

 

For providers treating patients with psychosis, consider utilizing the MGHP3 Consultation for Providers to understand current research and treatment protocols. Survivors or their families can also point their providers to this resource, as well as this Discussion Guide Resource from PSI to track symptoms and facilitate patient and provider conversations. 

 

One reason understanding postpartum psychosis can be challenging is that there is no global consensus on its definition. Experts are advocating for its own DSM classification to ensure the condition is accurately identified, understood, and treated. A formal DSM code would mean:

  • Students and clinicians are taught to recognize it as a distinct condition rather than grouping it under broader categories like depression or bipolar disorder.
  • Early detection and appropriate treatment could be emphasized in curricula.
  • Researchers could track outcomes and prevalence more accurately, improving both clinical care and public health understanding.

 

Recognition in the DSM is an important step toward giving women and families the understanding, care, and support they need during this life-altering condition.

CONTRIBUTE TO RESEARCH

Contribute to ongoing research! Massachusetts General Hospital is a hospital affiliated with Harvard that is actively publishing and conducting research on postpartum psychosis. They have ongoing needs for survivor participants - learn more and become a research participant with MGHP3. 

 

National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) is a hub for research on mental illness, including postpartum psychosis, in the UK. Join as a participant to contribute to improved understanding about risk factors, causes, and treatment best practices. 

SLEEP & SELF CARE STRATEGIES

If you've experienced postpartum psychosis, you may have a solid appreciation for the power of sleep! If you find yourself wanting to improve your sleep, consider these strategies: 

 

  • Ideal basics: Keep your evening routine calm, avoid large meals before bed, and keep your sleep environment cool, dark, and quiet.
  • Cognitive shuffling: To help with falling asleep, think of a word (e.g. STAR) and cycle through 5+ unrelated words for each letter (e.g. S - starfish, sun, salad, south, satchel. T - truck, tangerine, tonsil, towel, to, etc.).
  • Light therapy: Get exposed to natural sunlight or a 10,000 lux light therapy lamp in the morning, and again in the evening before sunset.
  • Physiological breathing: As part of a morning or evening routine practice calming breathing excercieses like physiological breathing. Inhale fully, “top off” breath with a second inhale, then slow exhale, repeat several times.
  • Grounding with cold water: Splash cold water on your neck and face, or simulate a cold plunge of sorts by immersing your face in cold water. This can activate the parasympathetic nervous system through the vagus nerve, creating a calming effect.
  • Journaling: Write about things that are on your mind! It's like free therapy, and can support mental and physical wellbeing.

 

If you aren't already, discuss sleep struggles with your healthcare provider. They'll be able to do bloodwork and other tests to determine if supplements or medication could help. For more information on ways to improve your sleep, the Huberman Lab has some great resources on sleep.

 

Remember - we all need breaks. Make room for breaks that fill your cup. ♡

DONATE & ADVOCATE

Mind the Gap is a US-based fund to drive research and increase awareness and access to prevent, educate, screen, diagnose, and treat perinatal mental health disorders for pregnant and postpartum women and their families. Consider making a donation to Mind the Gap! 

 

Support this podcast by sharing your story or expertise on the podcast - please fill out this interest survey or send us a note at mombreakspodcast@gmail.com. You can also subscribe or share an episode! Any support and participation is so appreciated.

MEDIA ON POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS

Too often, postpartum psychosis only appears in headlines with the most tragic outcomes. In reality, most survivors do not harm themselves or their babies, and the illness is highly treatable. View our list of media that goes beyond the infamous cases, sharing honest, varied experiences of postpartum psychosis. By amplifying these stories, we can reduce stigma and show the many paths to healing.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Fact Sheet - Resource from PSI to understand the various mental health disorders that can surface in the perinatal era (pregnancy and postpartum). 

Postpartum Depression versus Anxiety - Article from MGHP3 about the overlap and distinction of depression and anxiety in the perinatal period.

Perinatal OCD Fact Sheet - Overview of perinatal OCD.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder - Site that aims to educate on bipolar symptoms and treatment.

Fourth Trimester Fact Sheet - PDF with resources on navigating care and resources for transitioning from pregnancy to postpartum life.

Paternal Mental Health - PDF with information and support for partners with mental health struggles after the arrival of a new family member.