Episode Details

Hi Mama,

• Are you terrified by thoughts you never expected to have, constantly questioning what they mean, or wondering what kind of mom could possibly have thoughts like these?
  

• Have you been struggling with intrusive thoughts, overwhelming anxiety, checking, researching, avoiding situations, or constantly needing reassurance that everything is okay?
  

• What if those thoughts don’t mean what you think they mean—and what if you can learn to stop letting fear control you and start finding your way back to yourself?

In this episode, we're talking about postpartum OCD, what it can look like, why intrusive thoughts can feel so terrifying, and 5 practical strategies to help you interrupt the cycle of fear, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. I share from my own postpartum depression journey and what it was like to sit in my cream-colored IKEA chair after the birth of my daughter, feeling afraid of my own mind and questioning what my thoughts meant about me as a mom. But I’ve learned that an unwanted thought is not the same thing as an intention, a fear is not a desire, and having an intrusive thought does not make you a bad mom. We’ll talk about how intrusive thoughts can attack the things you care about most, why repeatedly checking or seeking reassurance can keep the anxiety cycle going, and how you can begin teaching your brain that you can feel uncomfortable and still be okay. We’ll also talk about why shame loves secrecy and how sharing your struggle with a safe person can begin to break the isolation, along with simple grounding techniques like the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise and reminding yourself, “I am here,” “I am safe in this moment,” and “This feeling will pass.” Most importantly, I want you to hear this: you can feel like yourself again. Your thoughts do not define you, your anxiety does not define you, and your hardest moments do not define you. You are still you, and there is a version of you on the other side of this season who laughs again, connects again, and feels peace again. Mama, you are not alone, you are not your thoughts, and there IS hope. You've Got This Mama! Love, Stephanie Connect with Me: Email me at hello@stephaniehathaway.net Listen to the podcast: Overcoming Postpartum Depression Podcast Next Steps: Join our private Facebook support group for encouragement, validation, weekly devotionals, practical tips, and connection with other moms: Join the Overcoming Postpartum Depression Support Group Disclaimer: This podcast is based on personal experience and research and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. I am not a doctor or licensed therapist. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. If you are struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, or another perinatal mental health concern, call or text Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4773 or visit Postpartum Support International. You can also call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger or believe you may act on thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. You do not have to walk through this alone.