272: A Dance in the DSM: My Tango with Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, and OCD

We all can learn from the stories others share about their struggles. Perhaps the most important benefit of that kind of sharing is to let people know that they are not alone. Today’s guest shares her experience because she wants people to understand what it’s like dealing with perinatal mental health issues and why it is vitally important to see a mental health professional. Her memoir, A Dance in the DSM: My Tango with Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, and OCD, documents her story. Join us to hear Jessica’s story.  After graduating from Fairfield University with a bachelor’s degree in English and a concentration in creative writing, Jessica Cuomo went on to teach high school English for six years, library science for two years and currently teaches communications at a local high school. With the birth of her first child, she experienced her first mental health crisis, which inspired her to share her story in hopes of helping others who suffer from mental illness. It is not easy to share the uncomfortable and highly-stigmatized parts of a mental health journey, but Jessica’s story helps to normalize the struggle and offers concrete advice for support and recovery.  Show Highlights: How Jess’ perinatal mental health was affected with her first pregnancy 11 years ago–when the mental health landscape was very different in the US How mental health episodes occurred with anxiety and intrusive thoughts accompanied by hyperemesis gravidarum and neuroses of worrying about the baby How an intense delivery and the hormone rollercoaster left Jess worrying obsessively about SIDS and not sleeping How Jess recognized OCD symptoms when she saw a professional for a mental health screening Why she felt guilty when she went back to work–and she saw her OCD symptoms worsen How therapy helped with settling the intrusive thoughts How her second pregnancy went better until a few weeks postpartum when she stopped sleeping How a heightened awareness, panic attacks, adjusted meds, a ruptured cyst, a psychopharmacologist, and a lifeline friend at the right moment converged to be Jess’ “Yellow Wallpaper Moment” Why Jess’ mission is to let people know that their mental health IS their physical health How Jess’ book, A Dance in the DSM: My Tango with Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, and OCD, was meant to be a story of hope that busts through the stigma and lets people know that help is available Resources: Connect with Jessica Cuomo: Website, Twitter, Instagram, and Book Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!  Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!