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The Dark Side of Postpartum: My Time in a Psych Ward

The Dark Side of Postpartum: My Time in a Psych Ward

Update: 2025-11-14
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Content Warning: This episode discusses themes that may be upsetting. We discuss postpartum depression and psychosis, suicidal ideation, overdose, severe mental health issues and disassociation. Listener discretion is advised.

The postpartum period can be one of the most isolating and lonely times of someone's life. You've just grown and birthed an entire human, your hormones are all over the shop, and you're keeping your little one alive while sleep-deprived and trying to remember the person you once were. It's often not a great recipe, yet we're still sold the idea of bliss being wrapped up in a 'newborn bubble'.

In this episode, Kel and Kee discuss their own experiences with postpartum mental health and chat with someone whose experience led her to a psychiatric facility only weeks post-birth. This is an honest and raw conversation; let it remind you that you're never alone.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 -  24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood. Call 1300 726 306, 9am – 7:30 pm AEST (Mon-Fri).

 
HOSTS & PRODUCERS
Kelly McCarren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kelly_mccarren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Kee Reece Searles @keereece


AUDIO PRODUCTION
Madeline Joannou - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mylk Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The Dark Side of Postpartum: My Time in a Psych Ward

The Dark Side of Postpartum: My Time in a Psych Ward

Kelly McCarren and Kee Reece Searles