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What happens when your mental health journey starts long before you ever consider becoming a parent? In this episode of Quiet Connection, host Chelsea Myers sits down with author and mental health advocate Sarah Michelle Sherman. Sarah opens up completely about living with Bipolar 2 disorder and ADHD, and how those diagnoses shaped her path to motherhood.

From the terrifying reality of early pregnancy loss to the agonizing decision to stay on psychiatric medications instead of breastfeeding—and navigating the public backlash that followed—Sarah shares the unfiltered truth of her experience.

This conversation is a beautiful, stigma-smashing reminder that taking care of your mental health is a fundamental part of taking care of your children. If you have ever felt isolated by intrusive thoughts, grief, or the heavy expectations of parenting, this episode will make you feel profoundly seen.

Key Takeaways

• Correct Diagnosis is Game-Changing: Sarah spent nearly ten years being treated for general depression and anxiety before receiving an accurate diagnosis of Bipolar 2 and ADHD, which completely transformed and saved her life.
• Prioritizing Parental Mental Health is Best for the Child: Choosing to stay on necessary mental health medications rather than breastfeeding is a valid, loving choice that allows a parent to remain stable and present.
• The Reality of Pregnancy After Loss: Experiencing a miscarriage can fundamentally change how a subsequent pregnancy feels, replacing typical milestones and excitement with intense anxiety and fear.
• Holding Two Truths Simultaneously: A parent can love their child completely while also finding the daily reality of parenting to be exhausting, overwhelming, and incredibly difficult.
• Writing and Truth-Telling as Healing Mechanisms: Sharing your story, vocalizing intrusive thoughts, and refusing to hide your reality can quiet the mind and build a vital community of support.

This episode discusses topics that may be triggering for some individuals. Please check the show notes for more information and be mindful of your own mental health and comfort levels.

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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

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