Show notes
In this episode, we speak with Yalda Kazemi — mental health advocate, speaker, and author — as she shares the deeply personal and often unspoken truth of surviving severe postpartum depression, facing suicidal ideation and intrusive thoughts, and ultimately finding her purpose through healing. If you've ever struggled with mental illness, questioned your worth, or felt misunderstood, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone.
We want to hear from you. Please share your thoughts or leave us a voice message here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a
Welcome to another powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast. With over 1 million downloads, we’re proud to bring you real and unapologetic conversations about mental health every week.
Mental Health Quote of the Episode
“Mental illness has no face. There is no look to it. You can appear put together and still be fighting the darkest battles inside.” — Yalda Kazemi
Episode Description
In this moving conversation, Yalda Kazemi shares her lived experience with postpartum depression, maternal mental health, and mental illness recovery. From being hospitalized in a psych ward to almost losing herself in the depths of postpartum psychosis, Yalda now uses her story to educate others, advocate for change, and empower families through their darkest moments. Listeners will gain powerful insights into the emotional complexity of postpartum mental illness and the importance of support systems, self-advocacy, and breaking stigma.
Meet Our Guest – Yalda Kazemi
Yalda Kazemi is a Speaker, Author, Mental Health Advocate, Educator, and Policy Consultant focused on dismantling stigma around mental illness. She is the founder of Yalda Kazemi Consulting and the author of Unapologetic Truths: The Realities of Postpartum We Don’t Talk About. Yalda speaks widely on corporate wellness, resilience, and women’s mental health related to postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause.
Website: https://www.yaldakazemi.com
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/yalda-kazemi-2864b129
Key Takeaways
Mental illness is not a personal failing. It's not a choice, and shame should never be part of the equation.
Recovery is possible. With support, medical care, and openness, healing can and does happen.
There is strength in vulnerability. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Actionable Insights
Learn the signs of postpartum mental illness so you can recognize it in yourself or support others.
Build open conversations around mental health in families, communities, and workplaces.
Normalize seeking professional help through therapy, medication, or hospitalization when needed.
Episode Chapters and Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction by G Rex and Dirty Skittles
01:10 – Yalda's background and why she speaks so openly
03:43 – Her childbirth experience and immediate emotional disconnection
05:23 – The moment of diagnosis and fears about medication
10:03 – Intrusive thoughts and psychosis escalate
13:34 – Yalda checks into the psych ward
15:22 – Talking to her son about mental illness
17:56 – Postpartum tools prepare her for perimenopause
21:00 – Facing judgment and stigma head-on
26:35 – Teaching her son about mental health
36:39 – Losing support from close friends
40:08 – Gratitude, healing, and daily self-care
References
Unapologetic Truths: The Realities of Postpartum We Don’t Talk About by Yalda Kazemi: https://www.yaldakazemi.com/book
Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net
Mental Health Resource Guide: https://www.nami.org
Subscribe, Rate, and Review
Subscribe to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads for more honest, bold, and healing conversations around mental health.
Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or leave a review at:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews
We appreciate every voice. Your feedback makes this community stronger.
#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #PostpartumDepression #MaternalMentalHealth
#PerinatalSupport #MentalIllnessRecovery #SuicidePrevention #WomenSupportingWomen
#MentalHealthMatters #BreakingTheStigma #YaldaKazemi #Grex #DirtySkittles #MentalHealthCommunity #PostpartumHealing #SelfCareIsEssential #PsychWardRecovery
#UnapologeticTruths #PodcastForChange#HealingJourney
***************************************************************************If You Need Support, Reach OutIf you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 — 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help HubStay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesOfficial Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.