Mel shares her journey from bartending and restaurant management to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and how an unexpected pregnancy and NICU experience completely changed the direction of her life. We talk about what it looks like to truly “fly by the seat of your pants” in your twenties, the pressure to have everything figured out, and why some of the most meaningful paths come from the least planned moments.

In this episode, we cover:
Mel’s journey from restaurants and marketing into the healthcare field
The unexpected life event that led her to nursing school
Her experience navigating pregnancy, the NICU, and her own mental health
Why women’s mental health—especially during pregnancy and postpartum—is often overlooked
The stigma around taking medication during pregnancy
What perinatal mental health actually looks like (anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression)
Why there is no “zero risk” decision—and how to navigate that
Taking a “fly by the seat of your pants” approach to your twenties
Why your twenties should be a time of exploration, not pressure
Starting a career later in life and realizing you’re not behind
Letting go of timelines and societal expectations
How identity gets tied to careers—and why it shouldn’t
The reality of being replaceable in jobs, but still valuable as a person
Why we’re here to learn, grow, and share experiences—not just follow a set path

Support Mel:
Follow along on Instagram: @psychmedmom

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