203: Returning to Yourself Following A Post-Partum Depression and OCD Diagnosis

Mom Founder Imagination Hub

Alaina was an early reader of Fertile Imagination. She shared her thoughts on the book, which she found refreshing and a book that didn’t feel like work. We delved into her thoughts on being creative, whether in her old career in tech and now as a yoga instructor. We also got into her raw and honest opinion on post-partum and navigating OCD along with her journey back to herself. We ended with why it might be urgent for you to return to yourself so you can help others who might be going through what you may have overcome. I think the book can help, and that’s the intention behind this episode. If you look in the show notes, you will find a list of resources if you or someone you know is experiencing post-partum depression and/or OCD symptoms.

This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination: A Guide For Stretching Every Mom’s Superpower For Maximum Impact – My book is now available on Amazon in its paperback version and Kindle format. Grab a free chapter on www.fertileideas.com.

DM me on Instagram @melissallarena just type the word FERTILE and I’ll share the link if that’s easier to get to fertileideas.com for all the details you need to celebrate your own Fertile Imagination! Here’s that link: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

About Alaina Patton

Alaina is a survivor of postpartum depression and OCD. She wants to be able to give space for those who have been affected by PPD and actionable direction on how to move forward. She was an early reader of Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom’s Superpower for Maximum Impact. Grab your copy: https://amzn.to/3F6AgMu

From the high-stakes world of tech to the tranquil sphere of yoga and writing, Alaina's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, where she battled not just the turbulence of her mental health but navigated the tricky terrain of finding the right therapist. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the crucial role that reaching out for help plays in the healing process. This episode is a beacon of hope and a testament to personal growth, healing, and creativity. Join us, and let Alaina's journey inspire you to tap into your own potential.

In this episode, you will hear these ideas expressed:

• What’s different about Fertile Imagination?
• Is Fertile Imagination a good alternative to reading books to escape life?
• How to know if you are touching the deep and real creativity you have?
• How to heal your relationship with calling yourself creative or a writer
• Let’s talk about what being creative in a corporate environment looks like and where it leaves some of us wanting or yearning more something more pure
• Where’s the creativity in being a yoga instructor or light-worker?
• Ways to create unique experiences for others, including clients
• On rediscovering yourself, your emotions, and healing
• How to get back into your body after feeling like you were just existing…
• The length of post-partum….does it ever end?
• OCD and how it can show up for you
• Baby blues or something more? How to check-in
• The value of caring for yourself consistently if you’ve ever felt down post-partum
• What if you feel blank? What to do next…
• What’s your story, and how can it help others?
• Opportunities for creativity within the corporate world, such as the tech industry, but they often come with restrictions
• Switching careers, like Alaina transition from tech to yoga instruction, can open up new avenues for creativity.
• Postpartum depression is a prevalent condition that can cause new mothers to feel detached from their own identities.
• The journey to recovery from postpartum depression involves recognizing and accepting one's emotions and physical changes.

SHARE this episode with a mom founder, entrepreneur, or creator who has experienced post-partum or is in it.

Similar conversations:

On 10/31 – I hosted my launch book party along with 8 other moms on Instagram, you can catch them here: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

Supporting Resources:

Alaina’s Instagram @postpartumpaper: https://www.instagram.com/postpartumpaper/

The Emily Effect

https://theemilyeffect.org/

@the_emily_effect: https://www.instagram.com/the_emily_effect/

Postpartum Support International

https://www.postpartum.net/

@postpartumsupportinternational: https://www.instagram.com/postpartumsupportinternational/

The Blue Dot Project

https://www.thebluedotproject.org/

@thebluedotprj: https://www.instagram.com/thebluedotprj/

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About Fertile Imagination – www.fertileideas.com

You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There’s flexibility in how you pursue anything – your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are waiting to be shattered. It’s time to see and seize what’s beyond your gaze. Let’s bridge your childhood daydreams with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids along any path – you, surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There’s only one super-power versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what’s been done before: a Fertile Imagination. It’s like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when it’s alert!

In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in this book – featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes – we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination!

Advance Praise

“You’ll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life in this book!” —MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator

“Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom (and dad too) truly happy to work on...even after the kids are in bed.”—KEN HONDA, best-selling author of Happy Money

“This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life. Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours.” —MAUREEN TURNER CAREY, librarian in Austin, TX