PPD & Postpartum Psychosis: Support for Women and Families | Dr. Theresa Costales

Although not as common as postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis is a real condition that can have devastating consequences on women and families. In this episode of Fempower Health, we discuss this critical and often misunderstood condition. 

Joined by the knowledgeable Dr. Theresa Costales, we explore the facts, experiences, and potential interventions surrounding postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. We talk about how the brain changes during the postpartum period, how to spot early warning signs, and what to do to get help. From the complexities of the healthcare system to the importance of mental health support networks, we uncover some challenges and solutions for women at risk of postpartum psychosis. Listen to learn about postpartum mental health and the importance of increasing awareness in healthcare today. Find solutions and support mothers in their mental well-being. 

Dr. Teresa Castales is a board-certified psychiatrist serving as the Arizona Medical Director for Connections Health Solutions, an organization that accepts all individuals experiencing mental health crises, regardless of the cause.

Discussed in this episode:

Brain changes in postpartum womenSigns to look out for with postpartum depression What is postpartum psychosis?Potential long-term effects and risks of postpartum psychosis (PPP)Pre-existing risk factors for developing PPD and PPPTragic cases of misunderstood postpartum psychosis left unaddressed (Andrea Yates)How families and loved ones can offer support during a postpartum mental health crisisThe importance of primary care providers and OBGYNs knowing about postpartum mental disordersChallenges women face when seeking mental health care during the postpartum periodWays to manage mental health during and after pregnancy with the help of reproductive psychiatrists 

“This is a treatable illness. It’s an episode, although it doesn’t feel like it at the time. And you can’t think your way out of it. It requires early treatment.”  - Dr. Theresa Costales

Related to this episode:

Resources and episodes on Mental Health

Read the Article: Postpartum Psychosis: Improving the Likelihood of Early InterventionRelated Book: Beyond the Baby Blues: Anxiety and Depression During and After Pregnancy by Dr. Rebecca Fox StarrPostpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net Connections Mental Health Support: www.connectionshs.com National Suicide & Crisis Line: 9-8-8

Recommended Books on Mental Health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or

Although not as common as postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis is a real condition that can have devastating consequences on women and families. In this episode of Fempower Health, we discuss this critical and often misunderstood condition. 

Joined by the knowledgeable Dr. Theresa Costales, we explore the facts, experiences, and potential interventions surrounding postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. We talk about how the brain changes during the postpartum period, how to spot early warning signs, and what to do to get help. From the complexities of the healthcare system to the importance of mental health support networks, we uncover some challenges and solutions for women at risk of postpartum psychosis. Listen to learn about postpartum mental health and the importance of increasing awareness in healthcare today. Find solutions and support mothers in their mental well-being. 

Dr. Teresa Castales is a board-certified psychiatrist serving as the Arizona Medical Director for Connections Health Solutions, an organization that accepts all individuals experiencing mental health crises, regardless of the cause.

Discussed in this episode:

Brain changes in postpartum womenSigns to look out for with postpartum depression What is postpartum psychosis?Potential long-term effects and risks of postpartum psychosis (PPP)Pre-existing risk factors for developing PPD and PPPTragic cases of misunderstood postpartum psychosis left unaddressed (Andrea Yates)How families and loved ones can offer support during a postpartum mental health crisisThe importance of primary care providers and OBGYNs knowing about postpartum mental disordersChallenges women face when seeking mental health care during the postpartum periodWays to manage mental health during and after pregnancy with the help of reproductive psychiatrists 

“This is a treatable illness. It’s an episode, although it doesn’t feel like it at the time. And you can’t think your way out of it. It requires early treatment.”  - Dr. Theresa Costales

Related to this episode:

Resources and episodes on Mental Health

Read the Article: Postpartum Psychosis: Improving the Likelihood of Early InterventionRelated Book: Beyond the Baby Blues: Anxiety and Depression During and After Pregnancy by Dr. Rebecca Fox StarrPostpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net Connections Mental Health Support: www.connectionshs.com National Suicide & Crisis Line: 9-8-8

Recommended Books on Mental Health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage with Our Community: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates and engaging content.Stay Informed: Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**