In this episode of Bipolar Talk 🎙️, we have the immense privilege of welcoming Katrina, a mother of twins and a powerful mental-health advocate for new parents. Katrina shares her unique and moving story of navigating a postpartum psychosis episode after giving birth during the pandemic, which ultimately led to a bipolar diagnosis.

Together, we explore the complex and often misunderstood world of perinatal mental illness. Katrina walks us through her experience, from the acute stress of having premature twins in the NICU during COVID to the signs of mania and psychosis that followed. She offers invaluable insight into postpartum psychosis, which she describes as a "loss of reality" , and explains the clinical pathway that led to her bipolar diagnosis.

This episode is a true source of hope and practical guidance for anyone wishing to better understand perinatal mental health, bipolar disorder, or how to support a loved one 💡. Katrina provides concrete, actionable steps she uses to stay well, focusing on the critical importance of sleep , building a support system , and creating a detailed safety plan.

Katrina offers an enlightened perspective on parenting with a mental illness, emphasizing that it is absolutely possible with the right strategies in place. She provides everyday tips, from tag-teaming care to the power of routine , and even shares practical language to help others talk about their diagnosis.

I invite you to listen to this profound conversation to discover how personal crisis can transform into powerful advocacy and learn practical tools that can help every parent become an actor in their own wellness journey 🌍.