In this episode, we meet Katrina — a twin mum, former teacher, and maternal mental health advocate from Sydney, Australia. Her twins were born prematurely at 33 weeks and spent time in the NICU. After delivery, Katrina experienced postpartum psychosis, leading to a month-long hospital stay.

We talk about her experience navigating hospital and legal systems, and how factors like twin pregnancies, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and sleep deprivation can influence perinatal mental health. Katrina reflects on recovery beyond hospitalization — parenting twins, rediscovering herself, and finding purpose through advocacy and community work. She now facilitates support groups, organizes fundraising events, and shares her story to raise awareness. Read more about her experience here.

Tune in for Katrina’s insights on healing from psychosis and moving from surviving to thriving.

Resources in Australia:

• Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) - Perinatal mental health information and tools
• Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) - Direct emotional support for parents
• Gidget Foundation - Free perinatal psychology sessions
• Beyond Blue - Mental health support across the lifespan

Citations:

1. Cohen, L. et al (2024, December 6). The phenomenology of postpartum psychosis: Preliminary findings from the Massachusetts General Hospital postpartum psychosis project. Molecular psychiatry.
2. Egsgaard, S., & Bliddal, M. (2024, October 25). Risk and timing of postpartum depression in parents of twins. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica.
3. Huberman, A. (2023, November 20). A science-supported journaling protocol to improve mental & physical health. Apple Podcasts.
4. Involuntary treatment - mental health - AIHW. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
5. Madsen, K. (2021, September 30). Pregnancy and postpartum psychiatric episodes in fathers: A population-based study on treatment incidence and prevalence. Journal of affective disorders.
6. Shahani, L. (2012, May 8). A father with postpartum psychosis. BMJ case reports.