Perinatal mental health struggles like postpartum depression and anxiety impact far more moms than we realize. In this powerful interview we discuss the stigma, the silence, and the support moms deserve but rarely get.

Perinatal mental health specialist Celleste Schnellbach, MS, LMFT, PMH-C of Duluth Perinatal joins us to break down the realities of maternal mental health challenges, offering both professional expertise and personal experience as a survivor of postpartum OCD. She is also the Vice Chair for Pregnancy Postpartum Support International - MN Chapter!

• Celleste shares her personal journey with postpartum OCD, including terrifying intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
• Perinatal mental health encompasses conditions during pregnancy, post-loss, or the year postpartum
• Common diagnoses include depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorders, birth trauma/PTSD, and psychosis
• The threshold for seeking help should be "whenever something feels off" – you don't need to be suffering to deserve support
• Bringing babies to therapy is not only possible but provides valuable clinical information...don't let that be the barrier to accessing therapy if you need support
• Managing nervous system regulation includes identifying whether you're in hyper-arousal (fight or flight) or hypo-arousal (freeze) states
• Repair after dysregulation is crucial – it's not about perfect parenting but how you reconnect after difficult moments with your kids
• Self-judgment and "shoulds" can prevent mothers from seeking the help they deserve

Looking for support for perinatal mental health concerns? Start here.

For MN specific support, click here.

Would you like to see Celleste as a patient at Duluth Perinatal? Find out more here.

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