399: From Surviving to Thriving: Building Community after Postpartum Depression and PTSD with Georgia Etheridge Stephens, MA, CCLS

Today, I’m joined by Georgia, who bravely shares her journey of healing after severe postpartum depression and anxiety. We dive into the importance of finding the right level of treatment, and she opens up about her experience in a partial hospitalization program specializing in perinatal mental health. Georgia also reflects on how her early life experiences and trauma shaped her path into parenthood, reminding us that healing is not only possible—it’s beautiful. Now, she’s using her experience to support and uplift perinatal families, turning her story into a source of hope for others. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation. Let’s dive in! Georgia Etheridge Stephens has a background in international relations and is a certified child life specialist with 15 years of experience supporting families and children through complex and stressful situations. Her personal journey with perinatal mood disorders during pregnancy and postpartum inspired her to become a postpartum doula specializing in perinatal mental health. Driven by her passion for family support, Georgia founded The Pod, a family center in Los Angeles, a judgment-free space where parents can build community, access resources, and grow alongside their babies.  Show Highlights: Georgia’s story of finding support during a pregnancy with complications Georgia’s professional role in supporting children and families, seeing the terrible things that can happen An onslaught of darker and heavier thoughts Finding the UCLA Maternal Mental Health Program when her daughter was 5 months old Looks can be deceiving for someone suffering from postpartum depression. The dire need for more mother-baby hospital programs in the country After treatment, you don’t emerge as the same person you were before. Rebuilding life in healthy ways Early life experiences and channels of trauma—they are all connected Understanding how parenthood rips you open and bares your soul An overview of The Pod and what it provides to the community Hopeful messages from Georgia about the value of sharing your truth with ONE person Resources: Connect with Georgia Etheridge Stephens and The Pod: Website and Instagram 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 looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices