Marina T - Prolonged PMADS, ICP, and Healing through Art

Quiet Connection - Postpartum Mental Health

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This week, I'm talking with Marina, an author and comic book writer, about her pregnancy and the challenges she faced, including a rare condition called ICP. After giving birth, Marina experienced postpartum depression for almost 5 years, feeling overwhelmed, confused, and isolated. She found solace in art and creativity which eventually helped her come out of the spiral. Marina's comics and books aim to support and empower women, letting them know they are not alone in their experiences.
To Learn More About Marina:

• Instagram

Takeaways

• Marina shares her background and experiences living in Norway
• She emphasizes the importance of having time for hobbies and creative outlets
• Marina discusses her journey to motherhood and the shift in her mindset
• She opens up about the challenges she faced during pregnancy, including a rare condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy can cause intense itching and sleep disturbances
• Postpartum depression can last for an extended period of time and may be accompanied by feelings of confusion and isolation
• Cultural stigma and fear of pity can prevent mothers from seeking support for their mental health
• Engaging in creative outlets, such as art and writing, can provide a source of solace and aid in the recovery from postpartum depression
• Sharing your story and seeking help is important for mental health and well-being.
• Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is crucial to support and empower women.
• Every parent is doing great and will manage.
• It's okay to tell your story, no matter how messy or complicated it may be.

Sound Bites

• "I speak four languages, Kazakh, Russian, English and Norwegian."
• "I'm just going to follow the flow in a way. And while following the flow, I will also enjoy it."
• "I think we should have a child together, So that was the shift."
• "It was intense during the night. Imagine that when you want to sleep."
• "No, I think he knew what to do, but I think he was kind of worried if he could do anything because he never had it in his practice."
• "I felt like I was completely messed up down there because it happened so fast."
• "It was like a life vest."
• "The separation with my daughter hit me hard."
• "You cannot keep this in you."

This episode discusses topics that may be triggering for some individuals. Please check the show notes for more information and be mindful of your own mental health and comfort levels.

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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection
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