Parents and Mental Health: The Negative Impact of Expectations (Ep. 477)

Guilt, shame, and unreasonable expectations should not be the words that describe parenthood, but for many new parents, they are. This conversation focuses on the impact of social systems on perinatal mental health and what professionals should know about how to support people with perinatal mental health conditions. We still have a long way to go to fully understand how our social systems impact parents. Join us to learn more! Olivia Scobie is a queer social worker whose own chaotic transition into motherhood inspired her dedication to supporting new parents. She holds a Master of Social Work and a Master of Arts in Sociology with a focus on gender and family, and she is completing a Ph.D. in Health Policy and Equity, researching the reproductive trauma experience of LGBT+ birthers. Olivia works one-on-one with parents and is the co-founder of Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings, where she mentors and trains mental health and allied professionals to navigate the unique challenges of the perinatal period. She is the author of Impossible Parenting: Creating a New Culture of Mental Health for Parents, a bold call to rethink the impossible standards parents are expected to meet. Olivia specializes in perinatal mood, reproductive trauma, parental mental health, and provider burnout. She is committed to fostering equity, understanding, and support for parents and professionals alike.  Show Highlights: Olivia’s journey into perinatal mental health Confusing expectations to maintain “parenthood status.” Understanding “maternal role collapse” and what it means to be a “good mom.” Mixed messages for moms about giving, depleting, sacrificing—but prioritizing self-care Systemic problems that contribute to the mixed messages for parents Maternal leave policies in Canada are different from those in the US How thoughts and feelings of guilt and shame show up for new parents External pressure of expectations, shame, and guilt can contribute to diagnosable perinatal mental health conditions. Understanding “maternal strain.” Recognizing when you’ve crossed from tired, exhausted motherhood into the space of needing professional help Significant pre-pregnancy risk factors that shouldn’t be overlooked in perinatal mental health Highlights of Olivia’s organization and their work in Canada The importance of validating and normalizing ALL feelings of parenthood Resources: Connect with Olivia Scobie Website Instagram, Facebook Impossible Parenting: Creating a New Culture of Mental Health for Parents Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773.  There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. 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!  If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices