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In this “Quiet Confession,” I’m taking us back to my second day of perinatal psychiatric hospitalization at UNC Chapel Hill.
After recently finding the journal I’d kept during my treatment, I reflect on the stark difference between my clinical, “robot-like” recorded entries and the emotional turmoil I was actually experiencing at the time.
I describe the rigid routines of the unit, the weight of a potential psychosis diagnosis, and the powerful moment a doctor offered to “hold hope” for me when I had none left.
Key Takeaways
- The Clinical Perspective: Chelsea’s journal reads like a “Captain’s Log,” focusing on medication, meals, and Sleep rather than their internal feelings.
- Morning Routines: Days began at 7:00 a.m. with breakfast and mandatory vitals checks, which remains a sensory trigger for them today.
- Psychiatric Consultations: On their first Monday, they met a team of specialists who initially discussed a potential psychosis diagnosis due to their extreme paranoia and delusions.
- The “Scaffolding” Struggle: In Occupational Therapy (OT), they practiced “scaffolding”—breaking down basic tasks like brushing teeth into minute steps—though they felt physically unable to perform them at the time.
- Holding Hope: A pivotal moment occurred when a doctor offered to “hold hope” for them until they were ready to take it back.
Relevant Links
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.
Odd Moms On Call is a podcast for moms navigating the chaos of current events. Join our diverse panel of moms from across the U.S. and Canada, breaking down how politics, policies, and culture impact our families—and how we talk to our kids about them. Honest, unfiltered, and insightful, we're making sense of the world, one conversation at a time.
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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection
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Chelsea is a nonbinary, disabled/chronically ill stay-at-home parent. As a passionate advocate for those too often unheard, Chelsea is always eager to dive into honest and open conversations with other moms about the messy, challenging, and unexpected realities of parenthood. Chelsea hosts Quiet Connection: Postpartum Mental Health podcast and is a panel member on the Odd Moms On Call podcast.
Chelsea worked for 10 years in intensive-needs special Education and is still passionate about advocating for neurodiverse families. They also volunteer at a pediatric oncology camp as the planner & facilitator of their quarterly playgroup, serving the families of their youngest campers.
