Amanda Taylor is the woman behind From Playgrounds to Psych Wards, where she shares her story of postpartum mental illness, recovery, motherhood, faith, and hope. After the birth of her fourth child in 2013, following a traumatic labor and delivery, Amanda experienced severe postpartum mental health challenges that ultimately became an 18-month journey through postpartum psychosis, hospitalization, and recovery. Today, she uses her story to help other women and families recognize the warning signs, ask for help, and remember that there is hope beyond the darkest seasons. We talk about the difference between the normal challenges of new motherhood, postpartum depression and anxiety, and something more serious like postpartum psychosis? In this powerful conversation, Amanda shares her firsthand experience of racing thoughts, sleeplessness, becoming disconnected from reality, hospitalization, and the long road back to herself. We talk about the warning signs that require immediate support, the critical role caregivers and family members play, how postpartum mental illness can impact a marriage, and how friends and church communities can practically support a struggling family. Most importantly, Amanda shares a message of hope for the mom who cannot imagine feeling normal again: your story is not over, you are not a burden, and healing is possible. In This Episode: Understanding the differences between postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis Warning signs that may indicate a postpartum mental health emergency Mania, racing thoughts, confusion, rapid speech, and becoming disconnected from reality Why caregivers should trust their instincts and seek an evaluation when something feels wrong The importance of listening to the perspective of spouses, siblings, and caregivers How postpartum psychosis affected Amanda’s marriage and family How her husband continued to see Amanda beyond her mental illness The practical ways friends, family, and church communities can support a struggling family Why sometimes the best way to help is to simply show up and do something Asking for help and finding one trusted person to say, “I’m struggling” Amanda’s experience of feeling like she would never have a normal life again Why postpartum mental illness does not have to define the rest of your story Connect with Amanda Taylor: Website: Home Instagram: Amanda Taylor (@amandataylor.life) Links Mentioned: From Playgrounds to Psych Wards: By Amanda & Colby Taylor Emergency Resources: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department when someone may be experiencing psychosis or presents an immediate danger to herself or others. Emergency Resources: Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Emergency Resources: Postpartum Support International HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773 or text HELP to 800-944-4773. The PSI HelpLine is not an emergency service. Postpartum Support International The Engaged Life Related Episodes: Shame, Perfectionism and Smiling Depression :: Misty Persefield and Stephanie Coker [Ep 154] Hope and Help for Taboo Topics in Postpartum Care :: Krystle Howald [Ep 467] Postpartum Depression :: Brittany Turner [Ep 277] Featured Sponsor: Honeylove: Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/DMA #honeylovepod
